Oldmans committee adopts deployment rules and formalizes contracts with volunteer emergency services after public concerns

Oldmans Township’s governing committee on Dec. 11 adopted changes to local fire‑department deployment rules and authorized formal contracts with volunteer fire companies and the ambulance squad, drawing an extended public hearing and several residents’ objections to staffing requirements.

The action centered on Ordinance 2024‑13, which the committee said primarily adjusts the number of required firefighters for the second response vehicle and clarifies assistance to the ambulance squad. Mayor David Murphy and committee members emphasized the changes were intended to improve operational clarity; the ordinance passed on Resolution 2024‑149 after a motion by Dean Sparks and a second by Mayor Murphy. Committee member Bill Ferrell abstained from the final vote.

Why it matters: Residents and volunteer firefighters told the committee that a requirement for four firefighters on the first truck—long on the books in Oldmans—can hinder rapid response in a rural township with declining volunteerism. At the hearing, Melissa Powell asked directly, “Why are four firefighters required to be on the truck?” and several speakers urged the committee to reconsider fixed minimums so the first available crew can respond quickly.

Voices at the hearing reflected competing concerns. Joe DiNicola, speaking for municipal emergency‑services leadership, told the audience that “Oldmans ordinance is not in violation of the Newfield law,” and said the ordinance before the committee was intended to ease staffing for the second truck and provide help for the ambulance. Volunteer firefighter Debbie Ashcraft, who said she has served since 1987 with Penns Grove, warned that “volunteerism is hurting; ambulance squad needs help too.” Melody Reese cited national standards, saying “NFPA 1710 speaks to paid firefighters and NFPA 1720 regulates volunteer firefighters,” and questioned whether the ordinance referenced the correct guidance.

The committee also adopted Ordinance 2024‑12 (rules governing junior firefighters) and Ordinance 2024‑14 (which authorizes the township to enter into formal contracts with the volunteer companies and ambulance squad). Mr. Sparks moved the contracts ordinance and Mr. Murphy seconded; the adoption passed with Mr. Ferrell abstaining (Resolution 2024‑150). Officials said each emergency service will be issued a contract and will have input on terms.

The committee approved membership for adult applicant Jason Good and conditionally approved two junior firefighter applicants, Caley Loveland and Brent Reardon, with the junior approvals subject to a future meeting with the applicant and their parent or guardian.

What’s next: Committee members said they can revisit first‑truck minimums later and that contracts will be circulated for review by the volunteer companies and ambulance squad. The executive session that followed included review of the draft emergency‑services contract and related litigation; committee members summarized progress afterward but gave no public timetable for any further ordinance changes.