Organizational Structure

As mentioned on the "What’s it like” page, there are two major functions of the fire company: operations and business administration. Line Officers direct fire operations; the Executive Board directs business administration.

Line Officers & Firefighters

Line Officers are firefighters who are in command of fire calls. The chain of command includes Chief, Deputy Chief, and two Captains. Captains are responsible for the operation of a particular Duty Crew. If both the Chief and Deputy Chief are not present at a call, the Captain is then the senior officer and assumes command of the scene. Captains report to the Deputy Chief.

Executive Board & Administration

The Executive Board is comprised of the President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary. The Board is responsible for the business administration for the firehouse. The President (or the V.P. in his/her absence) is authorized to execute any agreements and transactions on behalf of the firehouse, which is a non-profit corporation. The Treasurer is responsible for all financial matters, particularly payment of bills. The Secretary is responsible for all records including meeting minutes.

Administrative Members report to the Executive Board. The Board may have multiple administrative needs and you’re encouraged to inquire! Our firehouse can always use Administrative Members to help with clerical/secretarial duties, assisting the treasurer, working on special projects for the President, base station radio operations, and helping with fundraising/donations and planning/coordinating events.

The Administrative Member classification was created for people who have an interest in volunteering at the firehouse, but who cannot or do not wish to engage in firefighting.

Firefighters versus Administrative Members

To further clarify our two primary member classifications, please read on. In general, members are comprised of those who fight fires (firefighters) and those who do not fight fires (administrative members). You may apply to volunteer in either of these two capacities.

Note that a firefighter can simultaneously hold a position on the Executive Board such as President, VP, Secretary, etc.

Both Firefighters and Administrative Members are encouraged to:

• Assist with general operation of the firehouse
• Help in the base station (radio room)
• Assist with fundraisers
• Attend business meetings
• Assist with maintaining the firehouse (and attending maintenance meetings)
• Vote on most fire company matters (after meeting minimal requirements)
• Run for an executive office (Secretary, Treasurer, V.P., President)
• Enjoy the fire company benefits (aka: picnics, installation dinners, etc)

Firefighters:

• Respond to calls and fight fires
• Must live in town or within a mile of the district
• Must be in good health and pass a physical
• Must be 18 years of age or older (14 years old for Junior Firefighter)
• Must maintain a certain percentage of participation
• Must understand how to operate all basic equipment
• Require special training held at county facilities (Somerset or Middlesex)
• Can become qualified for operating engines and pumps
• Can run for a line office (Captain, Deputy Chief or Chief)
• Are under the direction of line officers

Administrative Members:

• Do not fight fires
• Focus on administrative responsibilities (running fundraisers, assisting trustees, the executive board, manning the base station during calls, etc)
• Do not have to live in the local area
• Must only participate a minimal of 10 hours per month
• Are under the direction of the executive board (Secretary, Treasurer, V.P., President)

Other Roles/Positions:

Junior Firefighters:

People younger than 18 are not eligible to become Active Firefighters. However, youth between the ages of 14 and 18 are encouraged to join the fire company as Junior Firefighters. Junior Firefighters age 16 and older have many of the responsibilities of Active Firefighters. However, they may not enter any building fires (other than drills). With parental approval and encouragement, being a Junior Firefighter can be a great extra-curricular activity.

Formal classroom training for Junior Firefighters can begin at 17 years of age. They can take most of the Firefighter I course, including the final written exam. However, they will not be allowed to participate in approximately three of the classes, which relate to active tower burns. The student can make up these classes after they turn 18 years of age. Makeup classes must be taken within one year after the class was missed.

Ask to see the Junior Fireman Auxiliary By-Laws and Board of Fire Commissioner’s Resolution for more information.

Engineers:

An Engineer is a firefighter who is responsible for the operation of a specific engine or truck and related water pumps or ladders. This includes operation during fire calls as well as general organization and upkeep of the equipment. The Engineer and related engine are assigned to a particular Duty Crew and is under the direction of the assigned Captain.

The county fire academies do not teach specifics on operating engines and related pumps as part of Fire Fighter I. After graduating from the academy and completing your probation, you are encouraged to learn how to operate the pumps by working with the appropriate Engineer.

In order to actually drive an engine and operate the pumps, you must first attend a pumper class and then be qualified by an officer of the firehouse. You must subsequently be trained to drive and be qualified to drive by an officer. It is your responsibility to learn from other Engineers and attend specialized classes, prior to requesting to be qualified.

Building Trustees:

Trustees coordinate the maintenance, repair and improvements of the building and related facilities. They also approve the use of the firehouse and the tables and chairs. Maintenance nights (fourth Monday’s of the month) are always managed by a Building Trustee.