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Frequently asked questions about public safety & the Volunteer Fire Department:

You Mean There Are Not Always Firefighters at the Firehouse?
Correct. With the exception of meeting nights and other work details, there are not usually firefighters at the firehouse.

How Are Firefighters Alerted to Fire Calls?

When a 911 call is placed within our service area, it is automatically routed to a dispatch center. Through the use of a voice paging system, the Glen Rock Volunteer Fire Department is alerted to the call. All members have pagers that receive messages from the dispatcher informing them of the location and type of incident. At this point, all available firefighters respond to the firehouse to get their equipment and trucks, and the Chief and Assistant Chief report directly to the scene. Additionally, sirens are activated throughout town to notify members of a call. Once notified, members respond to the firehouse in their personal cars. If you see a car with a flashing blue light, it is a member responding to a call. Carefully allow these cars the right of way. In addition to Glen Rock volunteer firefighters responding, fire departments from neighboring towns might be called in to assist depending on the incident. IF YOU NEED TO REPORT AN EMERGENCY, DIAL 911 IMMEDIATELY!

What Are the Requirements for Joining the Glen Rock Volunteer Fire Department?
The requirements for probationary membership with the Department are fairly simple. These requirements are as follows:
  • Be a citizen of the United States and be 18 or older
  • Possess a valid New Jersey driver's license
  • Ability to complete all required training within the probationary period

All candidates are interviewed by the officers of the Department and are voted on by the members before they are offered membership. Those under 18 can also join as Junior Firefighters.

What is the Time Commitment to Join the Glen Rock Volunteer Fire Department?

There are several components that make up a member's time commitment to the Department:

  • Attend weekly meetings (on Thursday night)
  • Attend required outside training
  • Respond to calls when you are available
Do I Have To Go To Every Call?
No, but you do need to maintain a monthly average which takes into account the number of calls you have responded to, as well as training and extra duty events you attended.

What Training Do I Receive

At a minimum, all members must complete the Fire Fighter I course taught at the Bergen County Fire and Police Academy located in Mahwah. This course is available at night, 2 nights a week, and takes about three and a half months to complete. Additionally, twice a month, the Department conducts training drills to review equipment and standard operating procedures.

Do I Have to Purchase My Own Equipment?
No, the Borough provides turnout gear, equipment and pagers. Members also receive "dress blues" uniforms to wear at formal functions.

What Benefits Do I Receive?
Aside from joining the brotherhood/sisterhood of the fire service, members of the Department are eligible for:
  • Participating in the Length of Service Awards Program (LOSAP) - Glen Rock contributes to a retirement account in your name
  • Free pool pass for you and your family
  • Yearly clothing allowance
Additionally, throughout the year, the Department hosts several functions that bring the members and their families together.

How Do I Join?
Visit the Firehouse (located next to Town Hall) any Thursday night and meet us or call (201) 670-3987 and leave a message. If you have an interest in the fire service, we encourage you to stop by.

If I'm Not Interested In Joining, How Else Can I Support the Fire Department?
There are many ways you can support the Fire Department other than joining. When we mail our fund drive letter, please consider contributing so that we can remain a strong organization. Also if you have a car you would like to get rid of, please consider donating it to us so that we can practice vehicle extrications drills using our "jaws of life" tool. Lastly, if you are knocking down your house so that you can rebuild a new one, please allow us the opportunity to practice forcible entry, search and rescue and salvage techniques on the structure before you demolish it.

GRFD News:

The Firematic Officers for 2010 are:
  • Matt Sellitti, Chief
  • Tom Jennings, Assistant Chief
  • Mike Maurice, Captain
  • Sonny Naclerio, Lieutenant
  • Richard Gallagher, Lieutenant
  • Mike Jennings, Lieutenant
  • Mike Sgarella, Lieutenant

The Company Officers for 2010 are:

  • Mike Aguilar, President
  • Donald Von Dreele, Vice President
  • Ian Mark, Treasurer
  • Maurice Lemieux, Secretary