Trending Topics

‘It’s very sad': N.J. FD consolidates 3 fire stations into 1 due to lack of volunteers

The Winslow Township Fire Department created one “super station” to deal with a decrease in firefighter staffing

By Bill Carey
FireRescue1

WINSLOW TOWNSHIP, N.J. — Winslow Township Fire Department announced the closure of three stations in Tansboro, Albion and Elm due to a volunteer shortage.

These will be consolidated into a single “super station” at the fire headquarters on Cedar Brook Road by year’s end, CBS Philadelphia reported.

“To be honest with you, it’s very sad,” Fire Chief Marc Rigberg said. “It’s a struggle in today’s world for us to bring people in due to a variety of reasons that challenge us.”

Rigberg noted that the decline in volunteers is due to a general lack of interest and the challenges faced by those who, despite wanting to help, work multiple jobs and struggle to meet training requirements.

Rigberd said response times should not be affected since the township employs career firefighters, although volunteers are vital for supplementing their efforts.

Recruitment & Retention Resources
Replacing the phrase “my department” with the more inclusive “our department” highlights teamwork and accountability
82% of U.S. fire departments are all or mostly volunteer and, often, their funding depends on people stepping up to help
While firefighters love visitors, consider these guidelines when planning your trip
Sacramento Fire Captain Keith Wade, once a TikTok skeptic, is now on a mission to show fire service leaders how the app’s reach could be the answer to staffing woes
It’s our responsibility to mold and train new firefighters in every aspect of the job, because failure to perform has dire consequences
Using this word tells every woman who serves in this beloved profession that she doesn’t belong – and signals to young girls that they shouldn’t join
A new study ranks fire supervision as a prime option, so how do we make this connection for the younger members of our communities?
Leaders must instill in firefighters early that recruitment is a part of their identity
Creating a mindset to achieve diverse, equitable and inclusive hiring practices
‘People don’t leave bad jobs, they leave bad bosses’ – and the fire service is no exception