Lakehurst Volunteer Fire Department shuts down over staffing shortages
Lakehurst officials say the town cannot afford a paid fire department and is discussing a regional option with its neighbors.
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Lakehurst broke away from Manchester to become its own borough 105 years ago, but is now depending on its neighbors to provide firefighters due to staffing issues.
The Lakehurst Volunteer Fire Department has been temporarily shut down. Mayor Harry Robbins tells News 12 it’s due to a lack of staff, including the resignation of its fire chief and assistant chief.
Fire departments in Manchester, Ridgeway and Whiting are picking up the Lakehurst calls in the meantime.
“The residents of Lakehurst shouldn't be concerned that they're not going to have a service," said Manchester mayor Joseph Hankins. "We're certainly not going to leave them hanging.”
Lakehurst officials say the town cannot afford a paid fire department, and is discussing a regional option with its neighbors. Manchester officials say they are aiming for a permanent solution by next month.
“I can't give away Manchester residents' services that they're paying taxes for, to Lakehurst for free," said Hankins. "There's going to have to be some reciprocity there.”
Both mayors acknowledged the impact of the national - and local - decline in volunteer firefighters.
There are efforts in the legislature to reverse those numbers. One Republican-led bill proposes health and physical education credits to students who volunteer at their fire department. Other bills propose $500 tax credits or $5,000 tax deductions for volunteers that meet certain criteria.
