New Jersey Assembly Bill A1332

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/22
• Refer: 1/11/22

Caption

Permits certain fire police units to appoint fire police officers.

Impact

The implementation of A1332 could significantly affect how volunteer fire companies operate and respond to emergencies. By expanding the pool of eligible fire police officers beyond just members of volunteer fire companies, this legislation could enhance the availability of personnel during emergencies. These appointed officers will have the same duties and responsibilities as current fire police officers, which include performing police duties at fires and emergencies, establishing fire lines, and ensuring public safety. Moreover, the bill facilitates the administration of the oath of office by allowing notaries public, in addition to municipal clerks, to perform this duty.

Summary

Assembly Bill A1332, sponsored by Assemblywomen Gabriela M. Mosquera and Carol A. Murphy, allows certain fire police units to appoint fire police officers. Previously, only members of volunteer fire companies could be appointed to this role. This bill enables incorporated fire police units, which have fulfilled specific criteria such as filing appropriate tax forms, ensuring the insurance of all members, and maintaining a designated station number, to appoint individuals who are not members of a volunteer fire company as fire police officers. Candidates must meet health and moral character standards and have no prior convictions involving moral turpitude.

Contention

While supporters of A1332 argue that this bill improves emergency response capabilities by allowing more individuals to serve as fire police officers, there may be concerns regarding the qualifications and training of non-member appointees. The bill mandates that appointed officers must undergo a basic fire police training course approved by the Division of Fire Safety prior to their duties. However, challenges could arise around integration, oversight, and ensuring that these individuals can effectively work alongside existing fire officials and law enforcement during critical incidents.