For Immediate Release – September 6, 2024
MIDDLETOWN, NJ – On September 4th, Mayor Tony Perry and the Middletown Township Committee hosted a press conference at Navesink Hook & Ladder Fire Company to introduce the Middletown Emergency Volunteer Incentive Program. Chiefs and volunteers from the Middletown Township Fire Department (MTFD), Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and Office of Emergency Management (OEM), along with former New Jersey State Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli, joined them to announce this new initiative that will offer benefits to volunteer first responders to thank them for their dedicated service.
“Our emergency volunteers truly make up the fabric of our community,” said Mayor Tony Perry. “I am constantly in awe of them for leaving their loved ones to run into a burning building, the scene of an accident, or a natural disaster to save a fellow human being who they may never meet again. I am incredibly proud to show our gratitude to these heroes by establishing this program.”
The Middletown Emergency Volunteer Incentive Program offers several benefits to volunteers: a $10,000 loan for first-time homebuyers in Middletown as well as a $500 yearly property tax reimbursement. These benefits must be earned by accumulating hours of volunteer time and emergency response. The $10,000 homebuyer loan can be amortized or forgiven by continued accumulation of response time. Local fee waivers such as free parking at the commuter parking lots and building permit fees will also be made available.
Middletown’s Length of Service Awards Program (LOSAP) Coordinator John Drucker will oversee the program and will ensure that only volunteers who meet the criteria will receive the incentives.
At the press conference, Deputy Mayor Rick Hibell shared a personal story of following in his father’s footsteps and becoming a Middletown volunteer firefighter – and eventually chief. Deputy Mayor Hibell attested to the late nights and long hours our emergency volunteers devote to their organizations and reminisced about both his and his father’s experiences at Belford Independent Fire Company.
After Deputy Mayor Hibell spoke and Mayor Perry highlighted the program’s benefits, Middletown Second Assistant Fire Chief Kevin Morrissey addressed the crowd and thanked the Township Committee for their support. In addition to financially compensating current volunteers, the program was also created to encourage recruitment to help guarantee longevity of our emergency volunteer organizations.
“By providing these incentives, you not only help retain the firefighters we have, but also inspire new recruits to join our rank,” said Second Assistant Fire Chief Morrissey. “This program ensures our department remains robust, ready, and able to respond effectively to any emergency.”
Former New Jersey State Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli took to the podium and voiced his support. He advocated for the program to be managed by the state, so that it could expand beyond Middletown and assist volunteers in additional municipalities.
The Middletown Emergency Volunteer Incentive Program is currently accepting interest forms ahead of its official launch in 2025. If you are a Middletown emergency volunteer or interested in becoming one, please visit www.middletownnj.org/ourvolunteers to complete our interest form.
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Click HERE to view photos and videos from the press conference.