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Lakehurst volunteer fire department dissolves; Manchester Township provides temporary coverage
Summary
Council members and residents discussed the recent dissolution of the Lakehurst Volunteer Fire Department, temporary coverage by Manchester Township, concerns about equipment and historic items, and an appeal for volunteers as borough officials evaluate assets and next steps.
Councilman Steven Oglesby told the Borough of Lakehurst on May 21 that the town’s volunteer fire department has closed after more than 100 years of service because it can no longer meet staffing and training demands.
"Maybe the Fire Department is not completely dead, only mostly dead," Oglesby said, urging residents to consider volunteering to sustain local fire and EMS response. He said volunteerism has declined and that state policy is pushing toward paid fire and EMS services, which he described as costly: "A typical ambulance runs $250,000 and up ... A fire truck can easily top $500,000," he said.
The council heard that Manchester Fire Department is providing temporary coverage while the borough and officials negotiate next steps. Councilman McCarthy said most of the fire company’s assets are owned by the borough, while some items were purchased with donations and still need legal and inventory review. "No profit may be made from those items and they may be donated to other nonprofit organizations," McCarthy said.
During public comment, resident Bruce Margeson pressed the council about the liquidation of equipment and the broader loss to the community, noting the department’s role in parades, holiday events and community outreach. Mayor Harry Robbins acknowledged the concern and said the borough’s priority is maintaining fire protection; if an apparatus is part of negotiations, borough officials will pursue it.
Council discussion noted risks to the Lakehurst First Aid Squad if volunteer numbers continue to fall; Oglesby said the First Aid typically has 20–25 dispatches per month and that volunteers often burn out when call volume is low. Councilwoman Bernadette Dugan asked that historical items be preserved; Sue Clark of the Lakehurst Volunteer Fire Department agreed to donate historical materials to the Lakehurst Historical Society.
No formal ordinance or transfer of equipment was adopted at the meeting. Borough officials said they have consulted with the borough attorney about legal steps related to equipment and assets and have engaged the Department of Community Affairs and insurance representatives for guidance. The council entered closed session later in the evening to discuss personnel matters and possible litigation.
Next steps announced by council members included continued negotiations with Manchester Township and legal review of asset ownership; officials encouraged residents to consider volunteering and said they would provide more details as arrangements are finalized.
