Bloomfield Fire Department Gain Two New Temporary Fire Captains

At this week’s Bloomfield Township Council meeting, township officials approved promoting two firefighters to temporarily fill-in for two fire captains who are on long-term leave.

However, a discussion arose at the meeting after some council members disagreed with the decision to promote and said the township needed firefighters instead.

An argument was made that without the two captains, Engine One would have been forced to shut down.

 “If you do not allow the use of these temporary captains then that apparatus has to be taken out of service,” said Fire Chief Joseph McCarthy.

With engine one being out for 50 percent of the time, the lack of captains would permanently put it out of service – leaving the community at risk, fire officials said.

“I’ve always been in favor of making sure the fire department is equipped,” said Councilman Bernard Hamilton, “God forbid we get that call and something happens, the last thing [the community] wants to hear is that there is not enough staff.”

The Bloomfield Fire Department underwent a 15 percent reduction in staff over a two-year period all while trying to maintain the same number of vehicles. “It’s simple math,” said Chief McCarthy, “If you’re running a restaurant with 15 percent less people – you’re going to miss shifts and we’re in that same predicament.”

After a lengthy debate on the matter at Monday night’s meeting, council members decided it was in the best interest of the town to temporarily replace the two captains until they are able to return to work.

The incorporation of two new temporary captains will enable engine one to continue running as planned. “We have to be concerned with the safety of this community,” said Mayor Raymond McCarthy.