As reported by Lehigh Valley Live, the Frelinghuysen Volunteer Fire Company successfully managed its first fire response on September 30.
The incident occurred shortly after 2:42 a.m., prompting the newly established seven-person team to swiftly prepare and respond.
Fire Chief Angel Ortiz expressed pride in the team’s readiness, stating: “I’m like a proud papa.” The response marks a significant achievement for the community, which has not seen a fire department operational in nearly four decades.
The Frelinghuysen fire station, designated as Station 84, was founded in 2022 and officially opened its doors in March 2024 after renovations were completed.
Mayor Keith Ramos emphasized the importance of the station, noting that residents had previously doubted the possibility of having a fire department in the area.
He remarked: “This was never in the plan; it’s a Godsend.”
The community has faced limited fire incidents, with only three reported in the past 22 years, including the recent basement fire.
The establishment of Station 84 reflects a collective effort to enhance local emergency services.
Mayor Ramos approached 152 regional fire departments to secure donations for the initiative.
Significant contributions included breathing apparatuses and fire trucks from Harrison Township, gear from Parsippany, gloves from Bloomfield, Scott SCBA Air Packs from Toms River, and a ladder truck from Elmwood Park Borough.
Additionally, a generator and hoses were obtained through donations or funding from the American Rescue Plan Act, which provided $200,000, and other capital funds totaling $900,000.
The project involved converting the former Public Works department building into a functional fire station at no cost to the township’s residents.
According to Ramos, the operational costs for the station are expected to be under $45,000 annually.
Previously, the township incurred expenses of approximately $105,000 per year for emergency services provided by neighboring municipalities.
This transition represents a significant financial relief for the township.
Frelinghuysen Township, home to about 2,200 residents, has faced challenges regarding fire service coverage.
The establishment of Station 84 is viewed as a crucial step in enhancing community safety, especially as other towns experience reductions in fire department participation.
Each of the 15 volunteers at Station 84 resides within walking distance of the converted facility, ensuring quick response times.
Ramos reflected on the project’s timeline and the unexpected financial support from the pandemic, stating: “To me, it was almost biblical.”
He emphasized how the circumstances aligned to bring the fire station to fruition, a scenario many in the community deemed unlikely.
The founding members of Station 84 include Fire Chief Angel Ortiz, Jim K. Burns, Jim P. Burns, Frankie Giordano, Robert “Doc” Halberstadt, Thomas Heaton, Jose Jaime, Todd McPeek, Benny Perez, Dave Possehl, Christian Rodriguez, Jhonny Lopez Sosa, Christian Winfield, James Winfield, and Scott Winfield.
Their commitment to the community reflects a dedication to ensuring safety and emergency readiness.
The successful establishment and operation of the Frelinghuysen Volunteer Fire Company signals a positive change for the township.
This new capability enhances local emergency response and represents a collaborative effort from community members, government, and neighboring fire departments.
The Frelinghuysen Volunteer Fire Company recently managed its first fire response on September 30, marking a historic achievement for the community after nearly 40 years without a dedicated fire department.
Station 84 was established in 2022 and officially opened in March 2024.
The project was made possible through significant community donations and funding from the American Rescue Plan Act, resulting in minimal costs for township residents.
With 15 dedicated volunteers residing nearby, the station is poised to enhance local emergency services and improve response times for the 2,200 residents of Frelinghuysen Township.