In 1881, the Madison Hook and Ladder Company No. 1 was incorporated for the purpose of protecting life and property from fire. Over 100 years later, the desire to protect the community is just as strong. For this reason, we’re placing the call to all who have a desire to step up, join in and give back by volunteering with the Madison Fire Department.
The Madison Fire Department is a combination fire department presently consisting of 14 career and 24 volunteer personnel. It takes great pride in the fire service and its service to the great Borough of Madison. However, across the nation and in our area, fire departments with volunteer ranks are struggling to maintain sufficient and effective membership. Only 10 of our volunteer firefighters are qualified as interior firefighters. The reality is we need your help to build on our strengths to better serve Madison.
Being a volunteer firefighter is an extremely rewarding experience. From fires to floods, firefighters make a difference in the community by coming to the aid of people in times of their greatest need. When damaging storms hit, loss of life and property is often in the balance and the fire department is there. Madison Fire Department has and will continue to positively impact the welfare of all people in our community.
In Madison, our firehouse is staffed 24/7 with career staff, with the majority of career firefighters working weekdays when volunteers are usually working their fulltime jobs. When there is a call for help, our volunteer firefighters respond immediately to the scene, which allows our response time to be as quick as possible. Our volunteer firefighters meet the fire apparatus on location and immediately go to work. Both career and volunteer members are needed to quickly and effectively respond to an emergency scene. Volunteering can help you hone skills that not only help your community, but also help you grow as an individual.
Making the decision to become a volunteer firefighter should not be taken lightly. It requires extensive and rigorous training and a strong commitment to service. As a member of the Madison Fire Department, you will complete courses at the Morris County Fire Academy and train locally with the department on drill nights. New volunteers will also be assigned a mentor to help in the first few months of becoming a firefighter.
When a fire blazes or disaster threatens, volunteer firefighters answer the call. Your community and our fire department need you!
Do you have what it takes to meet the challenge?
To sign up for a volunteer position email JoinMFD@Rosenet.org. For questions, call Chief DeRosa at 973-593-3022.
Some of the minimum Requirements are:
- Must be 18 years old and out of high school.
- Must be a Madison resident or live within 2 miles/5 minutes of Madison’s border.
- Firefighting is a physically challenging activity, the candidate must be able to perform duties like climbing ladders, crawling and lifting all while wearing approximately 50 pounds of protective gear.
