Holmdel Township Trying to Close Holmdel Fire Rescue Co#2
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The Holmdel Fire and Rescue Company# 2 strongly opposes the current plan to merge both fire companies in Holmdel. This merger plan, due to be voted on March 19, has been rushed through without consulting any of the membership or leadership of HFRC#2.
This plan has come as a shock to us as we have not been involved in any of the planning process at all. We feel that this unilateral township decision disregards HFRC#2’s existence as an independent not for profit agency. The town has no ability to simply “shut us down” or “change our name.” Our members are happy to engage with the town in a dialogue to increase efficiency or change operating procedures, but to this day all actions have been one-sided and without our advice.
In the beginning of this year Doug Ziemba was appointed township chief without the Township Committee following established ordinances and procedures. To our knowledge no search committee was created, no other applications were received and no notification was given to HFRC#2 concerning the appointment of Chief Ziemba.
His appointment to chief was learned of by a member who happened to be at the township committee meeting where he was appointed. HFRC#2 has been and continues to follow the direction of Chief Ziemba, but we cannot understand how the decision was reached to make him chief. It should be noted that in 2008 a township committee investigation came to the conclusion that: [1]
"This committee is firmly of the opinion that there is a concerted effort, particularly by Chief [Doug] Ziemba, in fostering discontent and a form of mutiny against Chief Savage, which disrespect is particularly encouraged in the young firefighters," the report issued July 24 states. "They, in turn, have become part of an effort to attempt to destroy the fire department structure set up by the township ordinance."
This investigation was highly critical of Chief Ziemba’s abilities as a leader and fire officer. It continues to say that:
"The testimony of Chief Savage, Chief [Walter] Schaub, Deputy Chief Perrone and Lieutenant West referenced how efficiency and cooperation had improved lately," the report explained. "This committee notes the correlation of that improvement with the absence of Chief Ziemba's presence at fire scenes."
This report is but one instance in the past were Chief Ziemba’s cooperative abilities have been called into question and this is precisely why a full search and vetting should have been conducted prior to his appointment. The Bayshore Fire Chiefs Association, responsible for the coordination between fire companies in the bayshore region, voted Doug Ziemba and Holmdel Fire Company #1 out of the association.
This was due to Ziemba’s inability to work with other chiefs and his disregard for the organization’s leadership role in the region. However, HFRC#2 respects the current command structure and has followed all new directives that have come from Chief Ziemba’s office. As a company we are proud to serve the town of Holmdel and we continue to cooperate with Holmdel Fire Company #1. Still, there are a variety of reasons why having two independent fire companies under one command structure has benefitted the township residents for the past 6 years.
Holmdel Fire and Rescue Company #2 was created as a way to increase fire protection for residents while reducing costs and increasing quality. For most of the history of Holmdel, Holmdel Fire Company #1 has been incapable of providing fire protection services to the township’s north side.
Prior to 1993 Hazlet’s North Centerville Fire Company was the main provider of services to residents on the north side of town. From 1993 to 2009 the township contracted its fire protection services to Old Village Fire Company of Middletown for an approximate cost of $25,000 per year. In 1998 Holmdel constructed a fire department building on Centerville Road in order to improve response times and end the outsourcing of fire protection. Holmdel Fire Company #1 had 8 years to adequately man the station and improve response. They could not. When HFRC#2 was founded in 2006 one of its specific goals was to operate from an area of town in order to provide service to the north side of town instead of paying for an outside agency or relying on our one company that was ineffective at response to the north side.
Once HFRC#2 was able to get its training and membership programs in place the response times to the north side dramatically improved. This new recruitment of members and ability to staff the Centerville station was as a result of cultural changes from the previous fire company and stands as an example of how HFRC#2 is able to do a better job recruiting and retaining high quality firefighters. Today, the north side of Holmdel is one of the best protected areas due to the speedy and quality service that HFRC#2 provides.
HFRC#2 has since met all goals and today exists as the premier provider of fire protection services to the township of Holmdel. We feel that attempting to disregard 6 years of built culture and institutional memory for no benefit shows a disregard to the history of fire protection in Holmdel and the costs associated with fire department operations.
This merger would not save the taxpayers any money, as all firefighters and administrative officers are volunteers. No cost savings could be gained from merging any positions. The town pays for maintenance of vehicles and some other expenses but these will not be decreased by merging the companies unless the town plans to close one of the firehouses or sell off equipment. Additionally, changing the name of the company will incur significant upfront costs with regard to signage, uniforms, and vehicle lettering. Each of our members spends over $100 in uniforms, jackets, and other apparel that will have to be replaced. Will these costs be reimbursed?
HFRC#2 has historically saved the township money by electing to finance many upgrades and equipment purchases with fund drives and grants. In the past 6 years of operation the company has purchased its own air compressor to refill air bottles, numerous sets of turnout gear and other personal equipment, station upgrades, and many of the hand tools found on the fire apparatus.
Additionally, HFRC#2 was able to upgrade all of our air packs to state of the art models with a $130,000 FEMA grant. All of this was possible without township funding because of the strong culture of fund raising that this company has. Hundreds of hours are spent each year raising money and writing grants in order to use less township funding whenever possible. Questions also remain as how the town will cover debts accrued and still being paid off by HFRC#2. Will the town step in and take over all company debts? The federal grant was also issued specifically to HFRC#2 and is not transferable.
Without a clear benefit, why would the town wish to merge the companies or stop using our name? As a company we can see no benefit to ending the rich legacy that HFRC#2 has managed to build in the short time that we have been here. Ending this company will seriously hurt morale and serve only to increase the exodus of members due to low confidence in the current leadership of the Township Chief and Township Committee.
Competition between the companies has also been of great benefit. When we hear that the other company has increased their training in one area that motivates us to train in that area as well. Across the board having a friendly rivalry promotes a strong desire to be the best and protects against stagnation and falling into a rut. Having another company to compare with in town keeps everyone on their toes and highly motivated to succeed. More opinions are a good thing and having two companies to rely on provides for more reliability in case of problems with the leadership of any one organization. It also allows for a system of checks to ensure that everyone is staying honest and keeping the residents as their number one priority.
Many people may wonder why a name change or administrative merger really matters, but to those of us involved in this company since the start it matters quite a bit. We have built a company with its own identity, history, procedures, specialized equipment and training, and leadership style. To throw that away without any benefit at all seems to be a silly objective. This company was created specifically because the people of Holmdel could not rely on Holmdel Fire Company #1 to provide adequate service.
Today we have one of the best protected towns with some of the best trained and motivated firefighters. We would argue that having two companies has only helped the township of Holmdel. Since 2006 both companies have increased their training for extrication services, there has been an increase in fire ground and leadership training. Membership is higher than it has been for the past 10 years. Our equipment is newer and safer and our members are better experienced in its use. Numerous stories have been written about our success. Many questions still remain as to how this proposed merger ordinance will work and these concerns need to be answered.
Mike Simpson, the township head of emergency management even said,
“Holmdel 'finally' has a “real Fire Company, and one to be proud of.” [2]
We simply ask that any plans for merger or systemic change in the fire department be put on hold to allow for a proper review and discussion with all stake holders. HFRC#2 wishes to simply put a stop to the top down changes being made and speak about the benefits that we offer the town as an independent fire company.
Sincerely and Unanimously,
The Members of HFRC#2
[1]
Independent Newspaper http://ind.gmnews.com/news/2008-07-30/front_page/003.html
[2]
Irene - The Good, The Bad, and the Snugly.... Mike Simpson Holmdel Patch http://holmdel-hazlet.patch.com/blog_posts/irene-the-good-the-bad-and-the-snugly
Holmdel Dem
9:48 am on Tuesday, March 12, 2013
This entire issue is a joke. From what I understand, nobody is going to close Fire Co #2. This company will remain open but with a slight name change and will be reporting to a new Chief....that's it.
You guys just may not like the new Chief and the new accountability that comes with it, but that's unfortunate.
So please stop the whining and do what is best for the citizens of Holmdel. And I do thank-you for your volunteerism.
Embarrassed
10:16 am on Tuesday, March 12, 2013
To whoever wrote that above comment.... YOU ARE AN IDIOT.... no one is saying that HFRC 2 is closing. HFRC 2 has worked very hard to get where it is today and a slight name change is a disgrace to the firefighters there. Chief Boyle has worked very hard to bring the company to where it is today and as an outsiders point of view it would be an embarrassment to work under Chief Ziemba. He is an ineffective human being. Holmdel Fire Company #1 has had many response issues as well as questionable fire tactics all under Chief Ziemba's watch. As a former firefighter I would be terrified to operate under his watch and "new accountability". Holmdel 1 was never accountable, in fact in the past Holmdel 2 was the one picking up their slack. This is embarassing for Holmdel Township- and I fear for my friends who live there... if there ever is a fire..... Good Luck HFRC 2!!!
Holmdel Dem
6:08 pm on Tuesday, March 12, 2013
You call me an idiot??? Read your own headline: Holmdel Trying to CLOSE Fire Rescue Company #2.
Given that you can't read, how well do you really put our fires.
Steve Catena
10:55 am on Tuesday, March 12, 2013
I don't understand why there hasn't been a meeting with the firefighters? In a volunteer fire company and department, the office of Chief is only as good as the next department internal election. I don't know the entire story, I'm simply stating that an open dialogue should be held. Not so bad, right?
D. A. Todd
12:30 pm on Tuesday, March 12, 2013
It's not Just a name change
If you will lose the grant
What is wrong with the name as it is now ?
No reason to change it.
But every reason to Not change it
It will cost a lot to change the name
And why not talk to them about it?
What are you hiding
oneofthesedays
1:11 pm on Tuesday, March 12, 2013
I whole-heartedly support HFRC#2 in this matter. Not because I've seen them in action and know that they are a great company, but because I remember what fire response was like in Holmdel before they were created. I see this "merger" as being solely politically-motivated with nepotism to the core. It seems obvious to me that somebody at #1 who "wants their building back" (possibly Ziemba himself) is politically connected to this township committee. For the township of Holmdel to revoke HFRC#2's charter (after all they've done to bring responsible fire protection to the people of Holmdel) would be an absolute slap in the face to their members who have worked so hard. And for what? In no way there could be any cost savings, since you would still have to keep the station and apparatus on that side of town. The only possible effect of such a change would be many disheartened firefighters from HFRC#2 resigning after seeing the good fire protection for Holmdel that they worked so hard for destroyed. As an independent third party (I am not related to any emergency service in Holmdel, but closely related to emergency services in Middletown, and used to live in Holmdel) I can see absolutely no good coming from this so-called merger (more like acquisition). If this goes through, I wish the best of luck to the citizens of Holmdel, and may God have mercy on the souls of the Township Committee. A step back is never a step that should be taken in the fire service.
39-2 39-3
3:37 pm on Tuesday, March 12, 2013
http://holmdel-hazlet.patch.com/articles/holmdel-police-blotter-august-arrests-thefts
"August 27: Kevin Calamari, 28, of West Keansburg was arrested by police and charged with theft of a 5-gallon gasoline container, a fire company gasoline card and gasoline from containers belonging to Holmdel Fire & Rescue Co. #2. The theft was alleged to have occurred earlier in the summer. Calamari, a Fire Co. volunteer, was suspended. "
MY town
4:21 pm on Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Was this guy a memebr of your fire co ? Or an ex member?
NJ-1
4:41 pm on Tuesday, March 12, 2013
This only proves the company does not tolerate theft, illegal activity, or any criminal behavior.
39-2 39-3
4:21 pm on Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Check their website, theyre raising money for a building addition that they are never going to do. Stealing money from residents, door to door to buy a brick is fraud.
MY town
4:41 pm on Tuesday, March 12, 2013
How do you know they wont do the construction .You sound like a bitter person, Were you kicked out of Holmdel 2? Maybe you should keep your comments to Hazlet co's instead.
Jenny Talia
6:08 pm on Tuesday, March 12, 2013
http://ind.gmnews.com/news/2008-07-30/front_page/003.html
MY town
8:40 pm on Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Good read
Sounds like this guy has an axe to grind . AGAIN
Kaitlyn Anness
6:14 pm on Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Due to some violations of Patch Terms of Use, comments have been put on moderation and will be sent to an administrator before being published on this blog.
Tony Orsini
8:40 pm on Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Considering mutual aid is a reality, any reason why we need a No.2 on Centerville with a Hazlet FD on Middle road between Union and Laurel? Perhaps some of the guys belong to both? I'd Like to see how the TC budget for fire has changed with 2 versus 1 FD. As a resident, I'm more comfy with a resident-run FD, which Mr. Ziemba is. May I suggest that people in glass houses shouldn't throw stones with respect to trashing Mr. Ziemba?
Jeff
9:02 am on Wednesday, March 13, 2013
You're more comfortable with a resident-run FD, yet you'd gladly give up #2 and hope and pray that North Centerville from Hazlet isn't busy to cover you? That doesn't make a bit of sense.
Tony Orsini
8:40 pm on Tuesday, March 12, 2013
P.S. I think ideally the county should be responsible for and coordinate fire and rescue saving taxpayers a bundle.
Robert
9:02 am on Wednesday, March 13, 2013
I would like to commend the actions of Holmdel Fire Rescue Co. #2 and Holmdel Fire Co. #1 for their assistance during Hurricane Sandy. These companies along with a few others came in to help the Union Beach Fire Dept. and residents during the hardest time that our town has ever faced. They performed several rescues and assisted UBFD with rescues and evacuations during the height of the storm. Even though we all had very little rest or recuperation, Holmdel Fire Rescue Co. #2 responded to mutual aid calls in our borough for weeks after the storm. Holmdel Fire Rescue Co. #2 also provided us with their old wildland pumper to pump water to the shower trailer for our displaced residents and emergency services personnel after the storm. I'm very proud to be associated with my brothers and sisters of Station 18-2 & 18-1.I hope that you may all settle your differences in a positive and beneficial way. God Bless all of you!
oneofthesedays
9:02 am on Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Mr. Orsini - Holmdel tried the "resident-run" single company approach that you are describing. Their consistent lack of response was the whole reason that the members of #2 decided to form a new company and the whole reason the township committee at the time a it. Do you really support going back to that? Since #2 has been in action, fire response has dramatically improved for the citizens of Holmdel. Why take that away? You mention that because of mutual aid agreements with other towns, you think that Holmdel doesn't need a fire company on the north side of town. Are you then saying that towns like Hazlet and Middletown should be footing the bill to provide fire protection in a town that isn't theirs? What happens when those fire companies are busy on an assignment in their own town and Holmdel Fire Co #1 is back to their lack of timely response? With all due respect, sir, I think it is clear that you are a politician and not a firefighter.
Tony Orsini
2:07 pm on Thursday, March 14, 2013
First off, I was a volunteer (Fire Police) for #1 for a few years prior to major neck surgery, so I kinda have a grip on how "busy" FDs are related to calls. Are you even a resident? Speaking of "politics," how about the nastiness of fire politics which go WELL beyond that of town politics. You guys attack each other more viciously than anything I have ever witnessed, and I do not think it is very constructve for volunteerism. It is indicative of an agenda. This is all about working together and I applaud the TC for making this consolidation of LEADERSHIP. The extreme interpretation about "closing" NO.2 IS bogus. Nothing will change in No.2 except administrative leadership. Why don't you guys grow up and stop playing king of the hill and give us all a break from this nonssense
Nick J.
4:20 pm on Thursday, March 14, 2013
Well said, Tony (see we can agree on a few things!).
I agree that no one is closing fire house number #2. I believe that it will remain open and as long as the members don't up and quit in a hissy fit, you just have to report to a new boss that you may not like.
I believe they all took and oath of office and they would likely be in violation of that if they upped and quit. I wonder what the consequences of that would be.....jail time perhaps?
bud
9:02 am on Wednesday, March 13, 2013
I sure hope Holmdel pursues the Lucent Property Sale and Development better than Fire Co. #1 vs Fire Co. #2. Whew, this situation has really been poorly handled. "We have met the enemy and he is us!--Pogo.
Ivy
11:15 am on Wednesday, March 13, 2013
I agree with Steve and D.A. We in Holmdel are very lucky to have all our volunteer firefighters in both 1 and 2.Thank you. Competition between them is a good thing as long as they remember they are brothers working together. I don't know anything about Chief Ziemba's abilities. Perhaps that should be further looked into (as to why he was given the job with no one else being interviewed - never a good thing). Why has the issue of changing #2's name even come up? Does someone have too much time on their hands? I think the township committe, now that they know Fire Co 2 is unhappy with these changes, should out of respect for the firefighters have a conversation with Fire Co 2 before making any changes.
Vabirdtweet
7:54 am on Thursday, March 14, 2013
"Hundreds of hours are spent each year raising money and writing grants in order to use less town funding when possible" Does this suggest, with credible allegations of members lining their own pockets with 'cash only' drives, Co. 2 could have benefited the town even further by applying these funds to credible causes, more credible than the personal advancement of it's members? This dubious behavior is alarming.
Cecelia J Miele
8:02 am on Thursday, March 14, 2013
I have lived in Holmdel in four houses, all in the north side of Holmdel for 40 years. I was part of many of the township meetings regarding the need for a fire station here due to the difficulty if fire station 1 being able to handle this side of town in a timely manner. Holmdel fire station 2 has done an excellent job and all of their volunteers should be commended. "Why change it if it isn't broken"! I think that this matter should not only be voted on by the fire station personnel but also the residents who value their service and donate to their cause.
Community Informer
4:57 pm on Saturday, March 23, 2013
I agree Cecelia, if it aint' broke, don't break it!
Thomas Scarano
8:33 am on Friday, March 15, 2013
Tony Orsini and I agree on very few issue. However, here we have some common ground. Thank you for the support of theTC. And thank you for your time as a volunteer fireman
John Boyd
8:33 am on Friday, March 15, 2013
Can you tell us what TC members approved the expansion. No one I spoke to even heard of it happening
mike
8:33 am on Friday, March 15, 2013
I am a Holmdel resident. I am extremely upset with how this situation has been handled. I don't agree with the fact there was no vote taken in D. Ziemba becoming township Chief. To my understanding, other fire companies all over the country select their leaders by voting. This man was appointed by the town. This move was inconsiderate and un-thoughtful by the Holmdel township committee. Being a resident, I want the leader of the fire Brigades to be wanted leaders. Not a leader that was appointed without thinking about it first, and being voted in by all the people he will be leading. Those are my thoughts. I truly hope the township committee will consider the thoughts of the Holmdel township residents.
Tony Orsini
8:50 pm on Sunday, March 17, 2013
Just to clarify, Doug was elected by Holmdel FD #1 members. He could not have been elected if he did not have the qualifications. Mr. Ziemba and his firemen supporters who were mostly Holmdel residents assumed control of FD no.1 at a time when, in my opinion, it was poorly run and residetnt volunteers were treated badly. Doug and company made some very positive changes. Part of the frustration on his part was due to the then governing body not recognizing that residents had assumed control, improvements were made, and treated them like the same old fire department. This frustration came to a head when Mr. Savage was appointed Chief. Mr. Savage was qualified I'm sure, but he was a Holmdel resident who did volunteer fire in Colts Neck, and he had not built a rapport with FD no.1, hence the friction. My experience has been that there is too much infighting in FDs. Can't we all just get along? May God bless and protect all our firemen (and Toms, thanks, but I was not a firefighter, but fire police).
disappointing
11:14 am on Tuesday, March 19, 2013
How come the township chief was elected by only FD #1? How come FD #2 was not involved in this decision since they do answer most of the call in Holmdel and have many more active members than FD #1. This seems wrong....and inconsiderate.
And Nick J. these are volunteer fire departments- they are normal people who volunteer as firefighter- they can walk away as they see fit- no oath no jail time....
Community Informer
4:57 pm on Saturday, March 23, 2013
Maybe its time for a Fire District to be put into place in Holmdel. Much more oversight and less politics plus the Fire Tax will be for the Fire Departments rather than going into the General Fund and being splurged on the Mayor and Council's pet projects and other wasteful spending.