We ask that all prospective members review the information on this page before submitting an application. Here is some information you should know now to help you decide if this is the right opportunity for you. When you are ready to move forward, please complete our online recruitment inquiry form to get started.

The Volunteer Firefighter membership category is available to all those who are
interested in serving our community and preparing to become active firefighters, age 18
and over. No experience is necessary, and all training is provided free of charge.
We offer opportunities for local members to respond from home or work. You can also
live in a bordering town or work in the Borough.

The tangible and intangible benefits and rewards of being a Franklin Lakes Volunteer
Firefighter are significant. The steps to the process for becoming a volunteer firefighter
are outlined herein.

Once accepted into membership, new firefighters will attend Firefighter 1 training at
their earliest opportunity as authorized by the fire chief and training officer. The fire
academy is conveniently located in Mahwah. Classes are either 2 nights a week or a day
class which runs Monday-Friday. You will have the opportunity to decide which class
schedule is better for you. Successful completion of New Jersey’s Firefighter 1 training
program is required and prepares them for “Interior Qualified” status.

Firefighters are strongly encouraged to attend weekly training drills with the department
to prepare them for the many challenges presented in an emergency. Drills are
conducted and closely supervised by fire department training officers and fire officers.

Firefighters must attend weekly training drills with the full department to prepare them for the many challenges presented in an emergency, conducted and closely supervised by fire department training officers and fire officers. Firefighters are expected to respond to every call they’re available for, day or night, 24/7 and 365 days per year.

In both training sessions and actual emergencies, the safety of our members is of
paramount concern to the department. As such, new members are closely supervised
and limited in activities and duties they can participate in until they receive proper
training to perform the duties to which they are assigned.

Due to the inherent dangers of firefighting, strict rules of conduct and tight procedural
standards have been established. Firefighters are always expected to act maturely and
are expected to read, understand, be subject to, and adhere to all rules, regulations,
and standards of the Franklin Lakes Volunteer Fire Department.

In an actual emergency, all firefighters must act professionally and efficiently. Even
with the training and supervision provided, firefighting is an inherently dangerous
activity with the potential for serious injury. The fire officers will make every effort to
minimize the firefighter’s exposure to danger, but it is also the responsibility of the
firefighter to avoid unsafe practices and hazardous situations for which they are not
adequately prepared, trained, or equipped.

APPLICANTS:

• Applicants must be age 18 or older and of sound body and mind to apply
• Complete our online inquiry form and a fire department representative will follow up with you to discuss expectations and step you through our recruitment process
• Applicants must complete a New Jersey State and Fire Department application that can be obtained from the Clerk’s Office at Borough Hall:
  • Applicants with previous emergency services experience should include a letter(s) from their former supervisor with their application
  • The applicant must schedule and pay for a medical physical performed by a medical professional who provides proof of physical fitness and medical clearance to perform the duties of a Firefighter with a doctor’s signature on the application.
    • The criteria for the medical physical are outlined on the New Jersey State Firefighter application
  • The state and fire department applications must be endorsed by a Notary Public and turned into the fire department

CANDIDATES:

Upon receipt of all required forms by the fire department, our officers will:

• • Review the application
  • Schedule a background check
  • Candidates will be encouraged to observe Monday night training sessions and interact with fire department personnel
• Candidates must be appointed to membership by the borough council at a regular meeting, contingent upon:
  • Accurate completion of all required forms
  • Positive outcomes from the interview
  • Positive outcomes from all background checks
  • Written recommendation letter from the fire chief

RECRUITS:

Following appointment by the borough council, the new member will be introduced to the fire company and sworn in at the next regular monthly meeting

• Upon acceptance into membership, the new recruit will be:
  • Designated as a Probationary Member
  • Fitted for PPE-Personal Protective Gear (Turnout Gear)
  • Provided with a copy of the department’s SOGs-Standard Operating Guidelines
  • Provided with a Probationary Member Task Book
  • Considered a riding member and allowed to respond on calls and participate in drills