What we do:
The Galloway Township Fire Department has proudly served our community since 1924. The Department is made up of five fire companies including Oceanville, Germania, Pomona, Bayview and South Egg Harbor.
The Department is completely staffed by volunteers who provide fire and rescue services 24 hours a day. Our Department responds to over 1000 fire and rescue assignments annually in Galloway Township as well as neighboring communities.
If you are interested in becoming a member of our team it is important for you to understand that being a volunteer firefighter is a commitment—a commitment of time and energy. What you put into our Department is what you will take with you.
Although our primary mission is the protection of lives and property, responding to emergencies is only part of our responsibilities. Our fire stations and equipment need to be cleaned and maintained, we need to keep our skills sharp by training, and we need to educate our community in fire prevention.
To accomplish most of these tasks each Company meets one evening each week for meetings, training, or work details. Additional training and details are periodically conducted at other times as well.
Our members are expected to maintain the required percentage for company activities per company ByLaws. Obviously your family and work commitments come first. Keep in mind that making this percentage is not difficult if you truly make an effort—there is almost always something that you can get involved in each day depending upon your availability.
Your first year:
You will be issued a pager and full firefighting gear at no expense to you. As a new member you will complete a probationary period in which you are evaluated periodically to ensure that you are meeting basic requirements.
You will be teamed up with an experienced firefighter who will provide you with basic company training and answer any questions that you may have. This training covers such topics as familiarization with fire equipment, fireground safety and proper wearing of turnout gear. After you complete this training you will have a basic knowledge of our standard operating procedures and be permitted to respond to emergency calls where you will generally act as an observer and a “go-for.”
Basic company training is just the beginning of your training experience. You are required to enroll in Firefighter I at the Atlantic County Fire Academy in Egg Harbor Township within the company’s time requirement. You may choose to attend the spring or fall semester in which classes are held Tuesday and Thursday evenings and several Sundays during the day over a four-month period. Another option is the accelerated summer semester in which courses are taught during the daytime on Tuesdays and Thursdays and occasional Sundays over a three-month period. Firefighter I is paid for by the Township and all the time that you spend there counts toward your percentage requirements.
Once you have completed Firefighter I and cleared by your company you will be permitted to engage in actual interior structural firefighting. You will also be eligible to take advantage of other firefighter training courses offered at the Fire Academy with your Companies approval. In addition once you have satisfactorily completed one year of membership you will be accepted as a regular active member of your Company. If you fail to attend the training or decide to quit the fire department before successfully completing any course you will be responsible to reimburse the Fire Department the full cost of the class.
What you will receive from us:
You will receive great satisfaction in providing a vital service to our community. The job that we do is critical to public safety.
You will develop the ability to work as a team under stressful situations. You will find strength and courage within yourself that you may have never thought you had. If you eventually choose to become a company officer you will gain valuable leadership and management skills. Your experience with us will help you grow both personally and professionally.
You will have the opportunity to attend many types of fire and rescue training, free of charge. Some examples are high angle rescue, aerial ladder operations, confined space rescue, vehicle extrication, and hazardous materials operations.
You will become enrolled in the Length of Service Award Program (L.O.S.A.P.) through Galloway Township.
While you are an active member in one of our five companies you will receive a life insurance policy through Galloway Township.
Each Company has social activities including annual installation dinners, Christmas parties and picnics. Many of these events are open to your family as well.
Most importantly you will become part of a brotherhood. Our members trust each other with their lives—this is a responsibility that none of us take lightly. You will make friendships that will last a lifetime.
Requirements to join:
1.) Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and a U.S. citizen or legal resident.
2.) Because our job requires efficient communication for safety reasons, applicants must be able to speak and understand the English language.
3.) Applicants must reside in their local fire district.
4.) The job of a volunteer firefighter is a position of trust. We frequently enter private homes and businesses and also interact with citizens of all age groups. We work closely with local and State police on crime scenes and other emergencies. All of these reasons make it necessary that our applicants submit to a full criminal background check. This background check includes fingerprinting and active warrant inquiries. If you have been convicted of a serious crime you are not eligible for membership. Convictions for lesser offenses will not necessarily disqualify you for membership but will be dealt with at the option of the Membership Committee.
5.) Our job often requires strenuous activities in extreme conditions. Because of this all applicants must submit to a full physical examination by a licensed physician. Physical limitations will not necessarily disqualify you for membership but will be dealt with at the option of the Membership Committee based on the needs of the Company.
6.) Teamwork is essential in our organization. Because of this we check the references that you list on your application. We are particularly interested in speaking to co-workers from your place of employment or with officers from volunteer emergency services organizations where you previously held membership.
How do I learn more about the company in my area?
Generally, each company meets one or more times a week at their firehouses for work details and meetings. The best way to learn more about the company in your area is to simply stop by and introduce yourself. Most times, the members will be happy to give you a tour or schedule a time that works best for both parties.
Oceanville – Smithville, Oceanville, Leeds Point Area
Germania – Germania, Cologne Area
Pomona – Pomona, Stockton College Area
Bayview – Absecon Highlands, Seaview, Galloway Area
South Egg Harbor – Devonshire, Hamilton Twp., Egg Harbor City Area
What if I have no experience?
No problem. If you’re willing to learn, we will send you to training that every firefighter must complete. We also conduct ongoing drills at the fire station and around the community. We’re looking for people who are willing to spend a little time making Gallway Township and its surrounding communities a safer place to live and work.
What if I think I’m too busy to join?
This is the same situation for every member, that’s why you’re important! While each company has some minimum requirements, we only ask members to respond when they’re available.
What if I don’t want to fight fire?
There are many other ways you can help. There are administrative duties, upkeep of the station and grounds, and several committees on which you can help. Productive administration is just as important as fighting fire.
How do I join?
Based on the coverage areas above, stop by the closest firehouse on a duty or drill night. In general,
Oceanville – Mondays
Germania – Mondays
Pomona – Mondays
Bayview – Mondays
South Egg Harbor – Tuesdays
Tell someone you are interested in joining, and they will help you get the process started. You will get an application to fill out and you have to get a physical from a doctor.