Firefighter Membership Discussion Expected, Summer Programs Begin This Week

The community may learn more this week about the possible creation of an associate membership to the volunteer fire department if borough officials are ready to introduce it via ordinance during the Tuesday night council meeting.

Discussion took place earlier this month during a work session meeting where officials and the Fire Chief explained that this membership would allow those who wish to volunteer their time to the department but are unable to put in the required hours and training needed to be involved.

Since March, 15 volunteers have left the department, 12 by resignation and 3 by termination for non-compliance with by-laws, according to meeting minutes.

Fire Chief Richard Giarratana addressed this at the last meeting stating the department has decreased in membership from over 50 down to about 36, but was still had enough members for the department to be functional.

He had explained that whereas the department always welcomes fulltime volunteers, this associate membership would allow some to be able to assist at the fire house or on emergency calls by providing some light assistance.

Patch will have more details on this topic as information on the Tuesday night meeting becomes available.

Also this week on Patch

Summer break is officially here and both the Recreation Department’s summer camp program and the public library’s summer reading program get underway this week.

Look for coverage of some of the kick-off events include the Sciencetellers program taking place at the library Monday night.