Holmdel Fire Co. 2 Sheds Light on Budget Constraints

At an open public meeting, in which three concerned citizens attended, Holmdel Fire Co. #2 members shed light on the importance of fundraising and the budget constraints that plague the all-volunteer house.

While the company is less than 10-years-old, it has around 25 volunteer members and expects to see a spike in membership soon.

The company has been at the center of a potential merge by the township with Holmdel Fire Co. #1, however Boyle said that situation has been resolved with the help of Holmdel's new Business Administrator Donna Vieiro.

"We can say that much of that has gone away."

As the two fire companies continue to work toward a harmonious relationship between themselves and the township, Holmdel Fire Co. #2 is looking at just a few thousand dollars in their current bank account.

The firehouse operated on a budget of $58,777 last year, which was created through fundraising efforts. Less than $8,000 of the house's budget is left.

Holmdel Township reserves $52,000 for both fire companies, which is spent based on need.

Extra fundraising for Fire Co. #2 pays for training exercises, uniforms, equipment not paid for by the township and clerical expenses.

Training is a point of pride for the firemen. They partake in live-burn training at the Middlesex County Fire Academy anywhere between six and 12 times per year.

"We take a lot of pride in probably being one of the best fire companies in the county," said Holmdel Fire Co. #2 Chief John Boyle Sr. "There is probably no fire company in the county that trains as much as we do."

The township budget does not roll over from year to year, so many times the companies are left with their own fundraised budgets.

"It costs $2,500 to dress a firefighter from head to toe, not counting air packs and radios," Boyle said.

At a minimum, the company has to raise around $18,000 to pay for the long-term lease on fire gear and the company's air compressor which is used to fill individual air tanks.

One of the most recent large purchases the firehouse made was a rescue reel, which assists first aid and police in rescue and extrication situations.

"It's another thing that allows them to function as one with us," Boyle said.

Last year, #2 responded to 700 calls while also providing mutual aid to Bayshore townships.

"Our calls have steadily gone up every year," Boyle said.

Fire Company #2's response time is within 5 minutes of dispatch, according to Boyle. That means volunteers are most likely coming from home to the fire station, dressing, then heading to the call.

The company is now gearing up for another round of fundraising, in order to pay for equipment maintenance and further firefighter training.

Keep an eye on Patch as Company #2 posts open meeting dates and updates for the community.