Princeton Fire Department Sounds the Alarm for More Volunteers

PRINCETON, N.J. – Volunteer fire departments nationwide are feeling the impacts of staffing shortages.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, the number of volunteer firefighters in the United States has decreased 15% since 1984, yet the call volume has increased by nearly 300%, leaving volunteer fire departments like Princeton in need of additional volunteers.

That’s why the Princeton Fire Department is launching a full-scale recruiting effort, seeking candidates to join its Class of 2022 training program and become volunteer members. Residents 16 and older are invited to attend an Open House on Tuesday, December 7, at 7:00 p.m., at the Princeton Fire Department located at 363 Witherspoon Street.

“It’s an opportunity to come out, meet other volunteer members of the department, and learn about the training process that’s involved in becoming a volunteer firefighter,” said Michael Yeh, Director of the Department of Emergency & Safety Services.

Organized in 1788, the Princeton Fire Department is one of the oldest fire companies in New Jersey. Last year, Council approved the hiring of six full-time, paid firefighters, ending the Princeton Fire Department’s 232-year history as an all-volunteer fire department. The employment of paid firefighters helped to reduce the overall time commitment needed from the volunteer membership.

According to Yeh, the Princeton Fire Department responds to hundreds of calls per year and works closely with surrounding departments to assist each other at large incidents. It also maintains a unique partnership with Princeton University, which encourages employees to volunteer as firefighters during the work week under an Associate Membership program.

“Our volunteer firefighters have a very deep connection with the Princeton community,” said Yeh. “The service they provide directly impacts people daily, which cultivates an incredible sense of purpose.”

“Our volunteers enjoy a sense of accomplishment and pride in the work they do,” said Alexander Ridings, a member of the department since 2000. “At its core, the Princeton Fire Department is the same as it was in 1788 – a group of neighbors helping their fellow neighbors in the moments that matter most.”

Ridings, a business owner, father of four and former Assistant Chief of the department, stresses that volunteer opportunities are designed to adapt to busy schedules with minimal disruption.

“Many people don’t know that our membership is almost entirely volunteer-based. Our volunteer members have jobs, families and other obligations just like everyone else in Princeton. Yet they have found time to attend training, develop experience and respond to emergencies within our community,” said Ridings. “If the pandemic has allowed you a more flexible schedule and you have a desire to serve the Princeton community, you may find that our local volunteer fire department can provide you with one of the most rewarding experiences of your life.”

The Open House event is free and registration is not required. No prior experience is necessary for those interested in joining the Princeton Fire Department. Approved applicants receive free training and firefighter certification. For more information, visit http://www.princetonnj.gov/joinpfd.

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About the Princeton Fire Department

The Princeton Fire Department (PFD), located at 363 Witherspoon Street, is a combination career & volunteer department and was founded in 1788. Its mission is to serve, protect and educate the citizens of our community in an effort to enhance safety and minimize the loss of life and property resulting from fire and/or other emergency situations that PFD can act to mitigate. For information about how to become a volunteer member and resources for fire safety education, visit https://www.princetonnj.gov/223/Fire-Department.