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Oldmans introduces ordinance to change firefighter minimums; public questioned statutory reference
Summary
Ordinance 2025-01 was introduced by title to allow three firefighters on the first response truck (down from four) and to set minimums for subsequent responses; public commenters questioned whether prior drafts cited the correct statutory section for volunteers.
The Oldmans Township Committee on Jan. 7 introduced Ordinance 2025-01 by title, proposing changes to the Fire Department's minimum staffing for response vehicles. The introduction passed on a motion by Jeff Newman, seconded by Mr. Pomponi.
Under the ordinance as introduced, the minimum number of firefighters on the first response truck would be reduced from four to three. The measure would keep a two-firefighter minimum for the second truck and for ambulance calls (with a three-firefighter minimum required when assisting at motor-vehicle accidents). The ordinance also states that junior members ages 14 to 16 would not be permitted to ride on the firetruck.
During public comment, resident Dan Evans asked about the status of an earlier draft (Ordinance 2024-10) and said that the prior text had referenced statute 17:10, which applies to paid firefighters; he suggested the ordinance should reference 17:20, which pertains to volunteer fire companies. Mayor Bill Ferrell responded that the committee is still working on the item and noted that the four-firefighter requirement has been in place for some time. Melissa Powell said the committee had indicated a new ordinance would be ready for the January meeting.
Ordinance 2025-01 was introduced by title only; the committee approved a separate procedural resolution (2025-39) to place the ordinance on the record for introduction. The ordinance will return to a future meeting for further readings and any public hearing required by law.
