Toms River Fire District No.1 provides high quality fire protection services to the residents and guests of the Township of Toms River. To continue this level of service, Toms River Fire District No.1 launched a four-year campaign to recruit more volunteers.

District No.1 is one of the most active fire districts in the area and is comprised of four fire companies: Toms River Fire Companies No.1 and No.2, Ocean Beach Fire Company No.3 and East Dover Fire Company No.4. Volunteers respond to a variety of calls from forest fires and ocean rescues to building fires and motor vehicle accidents.

The community is encouraged to visit www.TRfire.org to learn more about the volunteer experience in Toms River, read frequently asked questions and member testimonials, and fill out an inquiry form to express interest in volunteering. The campaign will also include an annual mailing, lawn signs, face-to-face recruitment at community events, social media management and much more.

Toms River Fire Department provides gear and training to all volunteers, so they can become well-versed in fire prevention and suppression, and rescue operations. Volunteers have the opportunity to train at the largest municipal fire academy in New Jersey at the Toms River Fire Training Center. Additionally, volunteer benefits include a clothing allowance, pension plan, life insurance and gym membership sponsorship.

District No.1’s recruitment campaign will run for four years and comes at no cost to the taxpayers. The campaign is being funded in its entirety through the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

“Through this campaign, we hope to attract a new generation of firefighters who are ready to train and serve our community,” said Chief Administrator Brian Kubiel. “Volunteers don’t need any prior experience to join our team, but they need a willingness to learn.”

Community members can sign up in the following roles:

• Firefighters, ages 18 and older, respond to challenging fires, auto and water-related emergencies. This role requires a minimum completion of two levels at the fire training center and a valid driver’s license.
• Junior firefighters, ages 16 and 17, serve the community and learn life-saving skills under the supervision of trained firefighters.
• Seasonal firefighters, who aren’t full-time residents of Toms River, can assist with the increased call volume in the summer months.

To raise awareness of the need for volunteers, Toms River Fire District No.1 hired the services of The Communication Solutions Group Inc., a full-service public relations and marketing firm based in Jenkintown, Pa. The company successfully carried out recruitment campaigns for fire companies in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, including the Firefighters of Gloucester Township, Deptford Fire Department, Woolwich Fire Company and many others.

To learn more about Toms River Fire Department or sign up to volunteer, visit www.TRfire.org.