SEASIDE HEIGHTS – Many fire and first aid groups have noted a steady decline in volunteerism throughout the last decade or more, but one local department won a grant to help grow their numbers.
For the next four years, the Seaside Heights Fire Department will be generating volunteer profiles, videos, recruitment events, targeting mailings, and more.
These recruitment efforts are entirely funded through a Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
“Our fire department was founded in 1913, the same year as Seaside Heights Borough. People who live, work, or visit Seaside Heights have never been without the emergency services our volunteers provide,” said Fire Chief Tim Farrell. “To continue our work and keep up with the growth of our community, we need more volunteers. We need community members to step up, take the free training, and make a difference.”
The firefighters created a recruitment slogan: “Your Community. Your Beach. Your Turn!”
Work and family responsibilities are usually the reason many people have no time for volunteering. There’s also a prevalence of rented properties in the shore area. Renters usually have less connection to their communities than homeowners.
With this new incentive, training and gear are free, which takes care of another obstacle to recruitment.
The new website, JoinSeasideHeights.org, shows testimonials and answers to common questions about firefighting. The publicity is being handled by Communications Solutions Group, Inc., which is being paid by the grant.
Filling out an inquiry form is the first step, and there’s no obligation involved if it turns out this isn’t right for you. Seasonal and year-round residents are welcome.
“There’s nothing more rewarding and satisfying than saving somebody’s life, and you also get to spend time and train with some remarkably talented and interesting people,” said Firefighter and Water Rescue Team Member Michael Kachmar.
How To Help
There’s a number of different methods to help your community. While the public image of a firefighter is one that involves a lot of sacrifice, there are ways to assist behind the scenes.
Firefighter: Protect lives and property by responding to fires, accidents, hazardous conditions and other emergencies. You must be 18 or older. Certification is a plus but training is free.
Ocean Rescue: Rescue people from the water, provide first aid, and otherwise ensure the safety and well-being of beachgoers, protecting them from hazards such as rip currents, high surf, and other dangers.
Junior Firefighter: At age 16, you can train with other members toward a certification at age 18.
Fire Police: Help direct traffic and bystanders and keep the emergency scene calm and clear so firefighters or ocean rescuers can focus on their work.
Non-Emergency Volunteer: Run community events and fundraisers, educate the public about fire safety, maintain the building and apparatus, tackle business and administrative tasks, etc.
“Our volunteers come from many backgrounds, but they share the desire to help the community we serve,” said Chief Farrell. “You don’t need experience, you just want to help in an exciting and very rewarding way.”
“Joining the fire department has helped my confidence and made me realize I’m capable of doing more physically than I would have expected,” said Firefighter Madison Baun.
To learn more about Seaside Heights Fire Department or fill out a volunteer inquiry form, visit JoinSeasideHeights.org
