Each time Jersey City swears in new members to the fire department, the city appears to make history. Two years ago, the department swore in its first African-American female firefighter. Diversity recruitment has been a priority, city officials said, noting that the department also hired its first two Hispanic female firefighters.
On Nov. 15, the department swore in 19 new firefighters, including two African-Americans, three Hispanics and one Asian, all of them military veterans.
“This testifies to their character that they were willing to serve their country,” Mayor Steven Fulop said, thanking them and the hundreds of family members gathered in the City Hall council chambers who, he said, allowed the firefighters to serve.
This is the fifth class of new firefighters brought into the department since Fulop took over as mayor in 2013, a total of 99 new personnel. Of those, 11 have been African American, 19 Hispanic, and four Asian. The latest group brings the department up to 568, and will allow the department to keep more companies on duty that in previous years.
Earlier this year, the fire department’s union – in the midst of contract negotiation – complained the shortage of staff had led to the closing of some companies. This was partly due, according to city officials, because of the number of firefighters on sick leave or taking other comp days.
The city has 26 companies on duty each day with slightly over 100 firefighters available to fight fires. But at times, this dips because of illness or other issues, resulting in the city shutting down companies it cannot provide manpower for.
Freeholder Bill O’Dea is among the public officials who sought to solve the issue, saying that the closing of companies can put lives at risk.
Because the northern part of the city already has fewer companies, the closed companies are often in the southern area, a poorer section with older structures that are a greater fire risk.
The hiring of up to 49 of the new firefighters under the Fulop Administration was made possible by funds from a $6.9 million federal Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant, city officials said. Between the new hires under the SAFER grant and internal staffing policy changes since 2013, the city has had more fire companies on duty in the last two years than in the prior eight years.
The new class of firefighters is also the first to be fully trained as emergency medical technicians. This is significant since in Jersey City the fire department serves as first responders for medical and other emergencies.
The firefighters underwent EMT training as part of their fire academy courses. The EMT training was covered through a $62,500 federal SAFER grant that was awarded to the department. The administration plans to expand EMT training to all new firefighters.
Remember you are public servants, said Rivers
The ceremony was overseen by Fulop, Public Safety Director James Shea, and Fire Chief Darren Rivers.
“As we welcome this new class of firefighters, we recognize them for their commitment to service and for choosing a career that ensures the safety of their fellow neighbors,” said Fulop. “Investing in public safety has been our top priority, adding personnel and resources; however, we will always strive to do more to bring the highest level of services to Jersey City, such as adding EMT training so our firefighters have even more life-saving tools.”
“What you have chosen is not only a career, but a lifelong opportunity to serve your community.” – Fire Chief Darren Rivers
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“Today we welcome and congratulate the newest members of our Jersey City Fire Department family,” said Fire Chief Rivers. “What you have chosen is not only a career, but a lifelong opportunity to serve your community.”
Last summer, the city conducted a diversity recruitment drive that led to more than 2,000 applicants representing a diverse group of Jersey City residents from throughout the city applying to take the firefighter exam. In addition to actively recruiting in the community, the city also offered free test prep courses to ensure that all residents had the best opportunity at performing well on the exam.
“In Jersey City, we understand the value and importance of having our public safety personnel reflect the community they serve,” said Director Shea. “That is why we have taken the extra measures to promote the career within the community and provide the tools and resources to ensure our applicants succeed.”
The new firefighters sworn in on Nov. 15 – who are the 634th class in the Fire Department’s 145-year history – completed ten weeks of training at the Morris County Public Safety Training Academy, followed by two weeks of training in Jersey City.
Al Sullivan may be reached at asullivan@hudsonreporter.com.