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Morris County honors Fire Marshal Jim Davidson as he prepares to retire
Summary
The Morris County Board of County Commissioners presented a resolution honoring James "Jim" Davidson for 36 years of fire service and public-safety leadership as he retires March 1; colleagues praised his operational leadership and training legacy.
The Morris County Board of County Commissioners presented a resolution Feb. 20 honoring James Davidson, who will retire as Morris County fire marshal on March 1 after 36 years in fire and emergency service.
Director of the Board presented the resolution, citing Davidson's long tenure beginning as a volunteer firefighter and later leadership roles with Hanover Township Fire District No. 3, the Morris County Fire Academy and the county fire marshal's office. The resolution credited Davidson with overseeing upgrades to fire protection and alarm systems across county facilities and assisting county operations during the COVID-19 response, including the testing and vaccine sites at County College of Morris and Rockaway Township.
"After retiring from Hanover Township in 2015, Jim joined the Morris County Fire Marshal's Office and eventually became county fire marshal in 2024," the director said during the presentation. "The office has become a trusted partner across Morris County, known for professionalism, sound judgment and unwavering commitment to public safety."
Scott (Commissioner) recalled multiple incidents in which Davidson managed complex on-scene logistics, saying, "You're gonna be the staging area manager. Find out a spot where we're putting a 100 ambulances, find out how you're gonna organize them." He described Davidson as the person responders call when they need someone who will just "figure it out."
Davidson thanked the board and credited commissioners' consistent support for safety investments in county buildings. "We probably have some of the safest buildings in the state of New Jersey," he said, noting plans such as the historic courthouse sprinkler project that the office hopes to bid out soon. Davidson also referenced his long-standing role as bell ringer at the county 9/11 memorial.
The board presented Davidson with a resolution of honor and paused for photographs and brief social remarks. A county official noted a replacement for Davidson was present at the meeting and will take over duties in the fire marshal's office.
