The Volunteer Firefighters Association of Vineland, in collaboration with the City of Vineland Fire Department, recently launched the 2022 firefighter recruitment campaign “Join Vineland’s Bravest.”

“Our volunteers do important work to keep our communities safe and we are enormously proud of them,” said Director of Fire-EMS Richard G. Franchetta, EJD, RMC. “We want others to see how they can play just as crucial a part in protecting the Vineland community by becoming a volunteer firefighter. There is no greater, longer-running expression of volunteerism in United States history than the volunteer fire service.”

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, there were more than one million firefighters in the United States as of August 1, 2022, with over 70 percent being volunteer (76 percent in New Jersey).

The Vineland Fire Department volunteers respond to more than 1,000 calls a year. In addition to answering emergency calls, firefighters also participate in regular training, participate in a citywide duty crew program, install smoke alarms for residents, teach fire education to the public, and take part in fundraising and public events.

“Volunteer first responders are the backbone of emergency services,” said Mayor Anthony Fanucci. “They spend hundreds of hours a year protecting people. They often forego earning extra money, missing family events and holidays, and especially their sleep before a workday. We rely on them to keep our community safe, and we can never say enough about how truly grateful we are for the sacrifices they make.”

Both men and women are welcome to join. Visit joinvfd.org to download an application. Completed applications must be returned by October 31 to be considered for the next fire academy training class. (If you already possess a New Jersey Firefighter 1 certification or greater and are interested in joining or rejoining the Vineland Fire Department, ask about the fast-track program.)