Notes from a Rookie Firefighter...April 22, 2010

The outcome of last night and an update to my article as per the Daily Record since the last one was too late to get in:

A Plea for Common Sense among Safety Concerns
By Denise Imperiale, Morris Township resident

Emotions ran high during the Morris Township Committee meeting Wednesday night. There was standing room only as firefighters, family members, and residents voiced their concerns about what could be a huge loss of service in the Morris Township Fire Department.

Due to a $3 million budget gap, the Township Committee is considering the elimination of the Fire Prevention Bureau. The intention is to replace the fire inspectors with private companies or a state agency that would perform the same duties. As of this time, no business plans or bids have been developed; however, that part of the agenda ended with a motion to investigate outside resources.

The Township fire inspectors investigate fire code violations, fire hazards and incidents; enforce code compliance; check hydrants, sprinkler systems, and buildings which contain flammable and volatile materials; bill and collect fines on behalf of the township; and inspect homes, businesses, and schools. They are familiar with the architecture, floor plans, and fire prevention systems in place at all of the large corporations, vacant buildings, museums, schools, nursing and county facilities, and new businesses in the township. They also work closely with the Fire Chief to communicate safety issues and concerns to the firefighters.

Also under consideration is the laying off of two career firefighters. The Morris Township Fire Department is made up of 20 career firefighters as well as volunteers. The department operates five fire stations around the township with a total of eight apparatuses. All of the career firefighters are certified as Emergency Medical Technicians, and respond to fire suppression, rescue operations (including highways, roadways, and the airport), and medical emergencies.

Currently the Morris Township Fire Department operates with a shortage of full-time firefighters. Eliminating two career firefighters in an already slim department puts residents in risk of a fire without enough personnel to stop it.

The mood at Town Hall was filled with trepidation as firefighter after firefighter had a chance to speak. The common concern was safety. How could an outside agency be equipped to protect a town they were unfamiliar with? Would they be as dedicated to Township concerns as our present inspectors? As one fire department volunteer put it, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

The Township Committee reiterated that the Fire Department was not the only department in the Township that would be affected by budget cuts. While the Committee searches for ways to close the budget deficit, Township employees should be on alert that if it could happen to the members of the Fire Department it could happen to anyone.

The outcome of budget cuts within the Fire Department will be discussed in more depth at the next Township meeting. If you weren’t able to make the Wednesday meeting, there is still time to communicate your concerns. The Township Committee is located at 50 Woodland Avenue, Morris Township, phone number 973-326-7360, fax number 973-605-8363. Hopefully the Township Committee will take the comments and concerns of the people who understand fire suppression before making a decision they may come to regret later.