The Mendham Fire Department began serving the Mendham’s in 1905. Its membership has always been, and still is, comprised completely of volunteers from the area.
The Mendham Fire Department is always looking for people who are willing to volunteer to serve as our next generation of firefighters. However, being a member doesn’t always involve fighting a fire or going through the necessary training to respond to every alarm. We have several members from the community who serve the department in a variety of roles and responsibilities. We gladly accept anyone who wants to help by donating their time and energy to keep our town, our neighborhoods and our families safe–there is a job for everyone who wants to be involved.
So, if you want to help your fellow neighbors, work hard, meet new people and have some fun at the same time, we encourage you to VOLUNTEER and join the Mendham Fire Department.
Membership Oppourtunities
Regular Membership
Regular (active) membership is where we draw most of our membership pool from. Requirements are that you are at least 18 years of age, physically capable of performing the duties of a firefighter and live within 2 miles of the Mendhams.
No previous emergency service training is necessary.
Associate Membership
Associate Members are those who wish to join the fire department in a support or administrative function only.
Residents who may possess special skills or talents (accountants, marketing experts, etc.) are encouraged to join the fire department. Those interested should contact our new membership committee using the form below, or stop by the fire house any Sunday morning around 10:00am and speak with an officer.
Since September 29, 2014 Associate Membership includes former active Ladies Auxiliary and Rescue Squad Only members.
Young men and women between the ages of 15 and 18 that wish to volunteer may join the Department as Junior Firefighters.
Since its inception in 1972, the Department’s Junior Firefighters program has let numerous young men and women participate in various firefighting and first aid activities.
Upon acceptance into the program, all Junior firefighters are issued a complete set of firefighting gear along with a pager system that they can carry with them at all times. All Junior firefighters respond to calls the same way other firefighters respond, and in turn perform many important tasks on the fire ground.
Please understand that safety is rule #1 within the Mendham Fire Department and under no circumstances would any Junior member ever be put in a situation that jeopardized that individuals overall health or well being. All junior members operating on the fire ground do so within a limited and supervised environment at all times. There are no exceptions to this rule.
All Junior firefighters are also welcome and encouraged to attend all company and Departmental level meetings, and drills. As well as all Parades and Departmental special functions.
Membership information can be picked up at the fire house on Sunday mornings.
Auxiliary Membership
Auxiliary Membership status is for non-resident men and women that have previous fire department experience and are employed in Mendham.
Note: Candidates that qualify for regular membership are not eligible for auxiliary membership.
Honorary Membership
Honorary Members are considered special “friends” of the Department and are given this status as a thank you to them for their past and continued support.
Honorary Membership status can not be applied for.
Common Membership FAQ's
Where do I sign up?
Contact any member of the department, use the form below—it goes to our committee chairman— or stop by the firehouse any Sunday morning between 10 a.m. and noon and speak with one of our officers.
How old do I have to be?
You must be at least 15 years old to apply for junior membership, otherwise the minimum age is 18 years old.
There is no maximum age.
Can both men and women join?
Absolutely. The Mendham Fire Department is open to anyone who can physically handle the challenge.
Are there any expenses I will incur?
Membership dues are $5 per year. The department will provide you with your Fire Fighting gear, uniforms, pager and training.
Personal items such as jackets, sweatshirts, etc. are purchased at your own expense, should you choose to buy them.
Are there any tests to join?
Yes. You must pass a criminal background background check, have a good driving record, and be approved by the membership committee of the department.
A physical may also be required to certify that you are in good health to participate as a firefighter.
What are the health requirements?
You must pass a medical physical to join the department.
What if I don’t have any training?
You don’t need any at all.* All training you need will be provided by the department in both in-house and outside classes, as well as “on-the-job” training.
*Auxiliary membership requires training and membership in your “hometown” fire department.
How much time is required?
Typically you can expect drills, meetings, maintenance and actual calls to take up about 5 hours of your time a week.
Some major events may take up to 10 hours or more per week to wrap up, and some weeks might have less activity.
Do I have to live in town?
Yes & No.
Yes. For regular, associate or junior membership, you must reside within two miles (as the crow flies) of the Borough border.
No. Men and women that have previous fire department experience and do not live in town but are employed in Mendham may apply for auxiliary membership status.
What if I live in Mendham but work out of town?
That’s no problem; most of our members work out of town. Plus, we don’t require you to respond to all of the calls, just the calls you can.
Mendham, Brookside, Ralston?
Not sure which fire department you’re applying to?
The Mendham Fire Department serves the Borough of Mendham; and though there is no requirement that you must reside within the Borough some folks do contact us in error. To help with that, we’ve created this map to help you locate the department in your town.