Join the RBFD

Join the ranks.

New members always welcome! Being that the Rockaway Borough Fire Department is an all volunteer department, we are constantly seeking new members.

Full membership (18+) 

REQUIREMENTS:

If you are at least 18 years old (Junior Program 16 to 18) and willing to serve your fellow citizens as a firefighter, the Rockaway Borough Volunteer Fire Department is looking for you. Whether you are a student, new to the area (at least 6 months) or a life-long Rockaway Borough resident, if you've got the time to dedicate to your community we'd love to have you. 

After acceptance, new members are required to complete training provided by the Rockaway Borough Fire Dept and the Morris County Fire/Police Academy to include: Firefighter I and CPR/First Responder courses.

WHAT YOU GET! 

Besides being a member of one of the most well known and respected volunteer fire departments in the Morris County, there are numerous benefits to being a volunteer at the Rockaway Borough FD. Among them are:

  1. Free training in firefighting, emergency medicine and related course.
  2. Uniforms provided.
  3. Length Of Service Award Program (LOSAP) - Volunteer Retirement Program through State of New Jersey.
  4. Sense of dedication to community and working as part of a team 

Many other benefits....just ask any of our members! 

HOW TO GET STARTED 

So now you've decided you want to be a volunteer firefighter or already are and want to join the RBFD. What do you do? You are more than welcome to stop by our firehouse at 1 East Main St Sunday mornings between 9am and 12pm and ask to speak to an officer or member, 

Call 973-625-0006, or e-mail the chief at Chiefs@RockawayFire.com 


 

 Junior Members (age 16 to 18)

That all members persons, accepted for enrollment in the Rockaway Fire Department Juniors Program, know and understand the rules and regulations, structure of command, and accept the responsibility that is inherent with this position. That all persons enrolled in this program understand that the governing committees within the Rockaway Fire department as well as the Borough of Rockaway have complete authority in all matters.

APPLICATION

Each applicant regardless of race, color, creed, or sex shall:

  1. Be between the ages of 16 and 18 years of age
  2. Obtain permission from parents or legal guardian prior to an application being granted. This permission shall be in writing and witnessed in a manner required by law.
  3. Be interviewed by the Chiefs investigating committee with the parent(s) or legal guardian present.
RULES: GENERAL
  1. Juniors fire fighters are required to observe all rules and regulations of the department and all orders issued by the chief officers or line officers.
  2. No Junior firefighter may be in the fire headquarters building With out the presence of an active member.
  3. Juniors are prohibited from consuming alcoholic beverages at any depart function or building or property. NO EXCEPTIONS. Juniors in violation will be immediately dismissed from the department and their parents/legal guardians will be notified in writing as to the reason.
  4. Juniors may not misappropriate, remove, or steal department equipment or property.
  5. Juniors may not drive any fire department apparatus and only ride on apparatus after training and assignment to a piece of apparatus.
  6. A curfew of 10:00 p.m. will be observed Sunday through Thursday and 11:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday with the exception of an approved Department function.
  7. Juniors may not leave school to respond to a fire or attend a department function.
  8. Juniors school grades will be an ongoing requisite to maintain membership. If the school grade falls below a “C” average, the junior will be suspended or restricted from fire fighting and the firehouse until such time that the junior can present evidence that the grades have improved.
SAFETY
  1. Junior fire fighters will not be allowed to perform duties, which would expose them to the same degree of life hazard as a regular active member of the department.
  2. Junior fire fighters will be issued turnout gear. This gear is to be worn at all times as necessary at fires and drills.
  3. Junior fire fighters will adhere to all safety rules as set by the Chiefs, Line Officers, Safety officers at any specific incident that the issue of safety arises.
  4. Junior fire fighters will not use any piece of equipment or tool until properly trained and instructed to do so.
  5. Any infraction or violation of any safety protocol or guideline will be grounds for suspension or immediate dismissal. 
TRAINING
  1. Junior fire fighters will be required  to participate in training in basic fire fighting operations including, but not limited to:
    1. Pump operations
    2. Ladder operations
    3. Rescue operations
    4. Fire suppression
    5. Fire ground tactics
    6. Use of SCBA’s
    7. Use of fire fighting equipment
    8. First Aid &  CPR
  2. Training will be both hands-on and “classroom”. All junior fire fighters will be required to be present for both if the training requires such.
  3. Certain training taken during junior status may be counted as training completed once full active membership has been requested at the age of 18.
HOW TO GET STARTED 

So now you've decided you want to be a volunteer firefighter or already are and want to join the RBFD. What do you do? You are more than welcome to stop by our firehouse at 1 East Main St Sunday mornings between 9am and 12pm and ask to speak to an officer or member, 

Call 973-625-0006, or e-mail the chief at Chiefs@RockawayFire.com