[HISTORY: Adopted by the Township Committee of the Township of Franklin as indicated in article histories. Amendments noted where applicable.]
[Adopted 6-12-1995 as Ord. No. 95-7[1]]
[1]
Editor's Note: This ordinance superseded former Ch. 15, Fire Department, adopted 11-25-1985 by Ord. No. 85-5.
[Amended 3-1-2010 by Ord. No. 2010-5; 11-6-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-7]
The Township of Franklin, not having a paid or par-paid Fire Department, hereby recognizes and contracts with the Franklin Township Fire Department, Inc., a volunteer fire company, for the purpose of extinguishing fires as permitted pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:14-68. The Township of Franklin further recognizes and contracts with the Franklin Township Fire Department, Inc., for the provision of first aid, rescue and all associated emergency services.
No person shall become a member of the Fire Department unless he/she shall be at least 18 years of age, be a citizen of the United States and submit a certificate of physical fitness to perform the duties and responsibilities of a fireman from a practicing physician licensed in the State of New Jersey. These requirements are in addition to any requirements already imposed by the individual fire company's bylaws.
A candidate for membership in the Township Fire Department shall make written application to the company with which he/she desires to become affiliated. An affirmative vote of a majority of the members of the company present and voting shall be sufficient to accept such candidate to membership, provided that a quorum is present.
The names of all members of the Township Fire Department shall be entered on a roll of firemen as to each company and shall be on file with the Township Clerk. The Chief in charge of each of the fire companies, or a person delegated by him, shall annually file with the Municipal Clerk a verified list of all the members not having exempt fireman's certificates. Said lists shall contain their names and residences and information relevant subsequent to their qualification for said certificates.
The Chief of the Fire Department must satisfy the following requirements:
A. 
Must have held rank of Chief or Assistant Chief.
B. 
Must be a resident of Franklin Township.
[Amended 3-1-2010 by Ord. No. 2010-5]
C. 
Must have completed state-mandated courses.
[Amended 3-1-2010 by Ord. No. 2010-5]
D. 
Must have maintained 70% of duty, said duty to include actual attendance and duty at fire alarms and drills.
[Added 3-1-2010 by Ord. No. 2010-5]
[Amended 3-1-2010 by Ord. No. 2010-5; 11-6-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-7]
The Chief of the Fire Department and all executive officers of the Department shall be elected and shall serve terms of office pursuant to the procedures and terms established in the constitution and bylaws of the Fire Department, as the same may be revised from time to time. The Township Committee shall appoint the Fire Chief selected by the Department as the Fire Chief of the Township for a term of office coextensive with that as elected by the Department.
Every member of the Township Fire Department shall, in each and every year, perform at least 60% of duty, said duty to include actual attendance and duty at fire alarms and drills. A record of said duties shall be maintained of each member's duty and attendance by the Chief of the Department or an officer delegated by him for such purpose, and a report thereof shall be made semiannually to the Township Committee.
Exemption certificates may be issued to members of the Township Fire Department who shall have served and complied with the requirements of N.J.S.A. 40A:14-56, as amended from time to time, which requirements shall include, without limitation, the following:
A. 
At the time of their appointment:
(1) 
They were residents of the municipality.
(2) 
They were citizens of the United States.
(3) 
They were of good moral character.
(4) 
They were not under 18 years or over 40 years of age.
B. 
They performed, during a period of seven years, 60% of fire duty in each year, respectively.
[Adopted 6-12-1995 as Ord. No. 95-8]
A. 
Rules and regulations shall be promulgated by either the Township or the Fire Department and shall provide for the training of the auxiliary members for eventual membership in the Volunteer Fire Department.
B. 
The rules and regulations shall also provide that no member of the Junior Fireman's Auxiliary shall be required to perform duties which would expose themselves to the same degree of hazard as a regular member of the Volunteer Fire Company.
A. 
Following the promulgation of the aforementioned rules and regulations, the Junior Fireman's Auxiliary shall be established.
B. 
Membership in the Junior Fireman's Auxiliary shall be opened to those who have attained the age of at least 16 years but no more than 21 years.
C. 
All those seeking membership eligibility shall present written permission from their parents or guardian.
Following the promulgation of the aforesaid rules and regulation governing the activities of the Junior Fireman's Auxiliary, the Auxiliary shall be established subject to the terms and conditions as set forth within this Article and as amended from time to time.