Politics & Government
Freehold Fire Co. Hopes for Voter Approval to Replace Aging Command Vehicle Dec. 9
The new vehicle will serve as a mobile command post for the Chief during fires and rescues. It's purchase has zero impact on taxpayers.
FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP, NJ– Every second counts when a 911 emergency response is required of a fire company and its chief. To ensure those critical moments aren’t lost due to equipment failure or breakdowns, Freehold Township Fire District #2 will hold a special vote on Tuesday, December 9, from 6 to 9 p.m. The vote will determine whether to approve the purchase of a new mobile command vehicle to be used by East Freehold Fire Company’s Chief. The purchase, if approved, has no impact on taxpayers. The cost will not exceed $95,000 and will be paid entirely from existing capital funds already saved by the Fire District, aligning with its long-term capital improvement plan.
The proposed vehicle, a 2026 Chevrolet Tahoe, will serve as a mobile command post for the Chief during fire and rescue incidents across Freehold Township and surrounding areas. In fact, the Chief’s vehicle is almost always the first vehicle on the scene to relay the initial scene details to arriving fire engines.
The new SUV will replace the 2010 command vehicle currently used by the Fire Chief, which has logged over 130,000 miles and is showing signs of significant corrosion and mechanical wear. Frequent repairs have made the aging vehicle increasingly unreliable and costly to maintain. Equipped with modern safety and technology upgrades, the 2026 Chevrolet Tahoe will improve visibility, situational awareness and reliability, all essential for the fire company’s emergency operations. Features include driver view cameras, Intellibeam LED lighting, forward collision alerts, blind zone steering assist and automatic emergency braking.
Find out what's happening in Freeholdfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
“This vehicle isn’t a luxury; it’s essential for safety,” said Chief Michael Murray. “Our volunteers respond to more than 500 calls each year, and having a dependable command vehicle helps us respond to our community when they need us.”
If approved, the vehicle will be ordered following the February 2026 Fire District elections, with delivery expected by late 2026. By that time, the current Chief’s vehicle will be 16 years old, extending well beyond its recommended service life.
The Fire District emphasizes that this purchase represents a smart, forward-looking investment, funded through years of careful saving, not new taxes.
Find out what's happening in Freeholdfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
December 9 Voting Day Details
Residents are encouraged to vote in the Freehold Township Fire District #2 Special Election on Tuesday, December 9, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Voting will take place in person at East Freehold Fire Company, 191 Dutch Lane Road, Freehold Township, NJ.
About East Freehold Fire Company
East Freehold Fire Company is a 100% volunteer fire company serving residents of Freehold Township Fire District #2. With 50 active members, the fire company responds to emergencies 24/7 and provides fire suppression, rescue services and community education to the residents of Freehold Township. In 2024, East Freehold Fire Company responded to more than 500 calls, continuing its long-standing commitment to public safety and service. For more information, visit https://eastfreeholdfire.com/.
