PFANJ Statement on Proposed $33M Fund Diversion from New Jersey State Fireman’s Association
Dear Brothers & Sisters,
As reported in NJ.com () on May 5, 2019, it appears that the Governor’s proposed budget for 2020 calls for $33 million to be siphoned from the New Jersey Fireman’s Association. This fund was established in 1885 to assist active and retired firefighters – paid or volunteer – during times of financial hardship or tragedy.
The State’s reasoning is that the fund is healthy and will still have plenty of money after the $33 million is removed. Respectfully, we all know how that worked out back in the 1990’s when the State siphoned money from the Police and Fire Retirement System!
We cannot let history repeat itself.
The State of New Jersey should learn from their prior mistakes – mistakes the pension fund (PFRS) are still suffering from today.
Dominick Marino
President
Professional Firefighters Association of New Jersey
And if i were to guess how many of the union boys and gals voted for our gov, I would say more than 60%. Enjoy the home cooking…..
I’m from an all volunteer department. You should be lucky to have a paid department, it’s hard to get people to volunteer their time these days. Today, not many are willing to give up their time. My departments members average age is between 40 and 60.
Someone said “Why are we paying for a professional fire department in Ridgewood? It’s an anachronism from the 1940s…….It should be volunteer”
Im glad you said that, Stop by for an application, The Ridgewood Fire Department has Volunteers, We look forward to your joining our volunteer ranks.