Letter To The Editor: New Firehouse Needed For Public Safety, Fire Companies Say

The following is a letter to the editor from officials with Toms River Fire Companies 1 and 2 regarding Saturday's special referendum in Toms River Fire District 1 on a proposal to build a $14 million firehouse.

"In the past few weeks, there has been a lot of back-and-forth regarding the upcoming vote on the proposed new fire department building in downtown Toms River. The public has had the opportunity to hear from a variety of local organizations, but little has been heard from the men and women who serve as firefighters in downtown Toms River. We hope that this letter will fill that void.

First, we offer some context: Both departments are steeped in history. Toms River Company No. 1 was
established more than 100 years ago, on January 15, 1896, and Toms River Company No. 2 was established on April 18, 1922. Together, both fire companies have proudly served the residents of this town for more than 95 years. Throughout the time that we have served the community, we have done so as two separate fire houses that have worked together in a coordinated effort. After careful thought and consideration, we have decided that the time has come for us to join forces as a single entity under one roof.

It is very important that the public understand that WE, the members of Toms River Fire Companies No. 1 and No. 2, in a coordinated effort, approached the Board of Fire Commissioners for their help in building a single (joint) fire station. This was done after the men and women of both companies voted to move in this direction. We did so with the public’s safety and best interest in mind. We believe that this is the best
way for us to provide safe and efficient protection for the district that we proudly serve, while being mindful of the economic benefits that this will ultimately afford the residents.

As proud protectors of this town, we ask that members of the public — our neighbors — endorse this project
with a vote of “YES” this Saturday, May 13.

We can be reached for further comment at 732-349-0144 or www.facebook.com/tomsriverfireco1
.

Respectfully yours,

Toms River Fire Company No. 1: Josh Prizer, President; John Mount, Chief

Toms River Fire Company No. 2: Robert Hoehn, President; Jeff Cirz, Chief

Patch graphic