South Brunswick Fire Chiefs Seek Volunteer Firefighters

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ — The three volunteer fire departments in South Brunswick are looking for residents to volunteer as firefighter.

The township said that there has been a significant loss of volunteer firefighters over the last thirty years nationwide.

“Unfortunately, we have witnessed first-hand how difficult it can be to retain our current firefighters and recruit new ones,” Fire Chief John Luck of the Kingston Volunteer Fire Company said in a statement.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, the number of volunteers nationwide has gone down by 10 percent since the mid-80’s, while the number of emergency incidents that fire departments respond to has increased almost 300 percent during that time.

“There are a variety of reasons why people don’t choose to volunteer. With our busy lives these days, a lot of people just don’t have the time to commit”, said Chris Perez, Chief of the Kendall Park Volunteer Fire Company.

“When you consider full-time jobs, with some people working more than one job to make ends meet, going to school, taking care of family members, the list is endless. A lot of people can’t fit in any other commitments, especially volunteering,” said Perez.

Luck said that many people in South Brunswick have no idea that they are being served by volunteers.

“Many residents in South Brunswick don’t know they are served by volunteers, which also makes it difficult to recruit new members,” he said.

The three volunteer fire companies have served the community for a total of 248 years.

“Those individuals who volunteer to serve and protect are carrying on the legacy of the American Fire Service,” said Scott Smith, Chief of the Monmouth Junction Volunteer Fire Department.

“Without question, there is something truly special about helping your neighbor in their greatest time of need,” he said.

The Kendall Park, Kingston and Monmouth Junction Volunteer Fire Departments are looking for residents between the ages of 16 and 45 who want to volunteer.

No prior experience is necessary and all training is provided free of cost. The fire departments offer numerous incentives to join, including a length of service award plan, college scholarships, and life insurance coverage, just to name a few.

Those interested can contact the fire department in their section of the township to discuss the application process and requirements.

You can also call and email:

Kendall Park Vol. Fire Company: 732-297-0388 ext. 3 or visit www.kpvfc.org

Kingston Vol. Fire Department: 609-924-1181 or newmembership@kingstonfireco.com

Monmouth Junction Vol. Fire Department: 732-329-2001 or volunteer@mjvfd.com