Lopatcong fire chief reports 247 calls in 2025; new tower ladder expected in February–March

Jim Marinelli, introduced as Lopatcong’s new fire chief, briefed the council on department activity and equipment deliveries at the Jan. 7 meeting.

Marinelli said the Lopatcong Fire Department responded to 247 calls in 2025, "the most calls we've responded to" in roughly 10 years of available reports, and reported an average response time of about 5 minutes and 20 seconds from dispatch to first unit en route.

He also updated the council on a new tower ladder apparatus: production is expected to be completed on Jan. 28, with a final inspection at the Pierce manufacturing facility in Wisconsin. The apparatus will be transported back to New Jersey on a low-bed tractor-trailer rather than being driven; the chief said members will travel to Wisconsin for final inspection and that delivery to the township is expected in February or March, followed by department training before putting the unit into service.

Marinelli raised several maintenance and safety concerns at the Delaware Park apparatus building: exterior signs are failing, a 100+-year-old retaining wall that supports a rear alley is cracking, a storm drain and adjacent pavement are sinking each winter, and garage doors and building trim are deteriorating from road salt. He presented a written list of items and suggested capital repairs and the possibility of fencing a rear training area to secure vehicle-extrication drills and prevent public safety hazards.

Council members asked clarifying questions about transport logistics and next steps. The mayor indicated the capital expense process will be used to consider needed repairs.

Next steps: council will consider capital funding for the firehouse repairs at subsequent meetings; the new tower ladder will undergo inspection and be transported for delivery in the coming weeks.