NORTH HUDSON – As one of the first and largest regional fire departments in the country, North Hudson Regional Fire and Rescue (NHRFR) recently entered into an interlocal agreement with the Town of Secaucus to swap equipment and enhance fire protection in both North Hudson and Secaucus.
“North Hudson Regional Fire and Rescue was founded on the principle that by working together we can better protect our communities and do it more efficiently,” said NHRFR Management Committee Chairman Weehawken Mayor Richard Turner. “This new agreement with Secaucus is further proof of that concept and I would like to thank Mayor Michael Gonnelli for his willingness to work together for the good of Hudson County.”
As part of the agreement Secaucus will be giving a tower ladder apparatus to NHRFR, which will serve as an essential back up to the Regional’s new tower ladder that will be put into service this year. In return the Regional has given the Secaucus Volunteer Fire Department a fire boat to assist in operations along the Hackensack River. The 32-foot Monarch boat was replaced in the Regional’s fleet by the new Marine 1 vessel that was purchased through grant funds last year. It will now continue to be used to protect Hudson County residents from fires and other disasters.
“With the continued growth of our community along the Hackensack River it was becoming essential for our fire department to have access to a marine apparatus, and by executing this agreement with North Hudson Regional Fire and Rescue we are able to get just what we needed without having our taxpayers foot the bill,” said Secaucus Mayor Michael Gonnelli, who is a member of the town’s volunteer fire department. “This fire vessel will make our community safer and it is a great example of the kind of cooperation between neighbors that Secaucus takes pride in.”