Acting Governor Nicholas Scutari signed A-5275/S-3671 providing municipal governing bodies more flexibility in appointing chaplains to their fire departments.
Article continues below
Under current law, the governing body of any municipality, by ordinance, may provide for the appointment of one or more ordained members of the clergy as chaplains to the paid or part-paid fire department and force of the municipality, with the rank of battalion chief and their salaries fixed by the governing body.
The bill provides that, for any municipal fire department and force chaplain initially appointed after enactment, the municipality may specify in the ordinance appointing the chaplain whether the chaplain will have a rank and salary.
The bill also codifies job protections for any chaplain employed prior to the bill’s enactment; they cannot be dismissed, nor can their salary be diminished, except for specified causes.
“Chaplains provide an invaluable service for local fire departments and the communities they serve,†said Acting Governor Scutari.
“They support the men and women who put their lives on the line when protecting the safety of the residents. This law enables local government to appoint fire chaplains that meet their needs without undue expense.â€
Primary sponsors of the bill include Senators Linda R. Greenstein and Shirley K. Turner and Assemblymembers Daniel R. Benson and Reginald W. Atkins.
“Fully supporting our first responders is a top priority for me, including making changes to increase opportunities for the critical role of chaplain,†said Senator Linda Greenstein. “Now, fire houses can expand this role, or have the flexibility to tailor this role to the needs of their communities.â€
“New Jersey is home to people of diverse backgrounds and beliefs,†said Senator Turner. “By creating the position of Fire Chaplain and allowing greater flexibility for municipalities, we can help ensure firefighters around the state have access to a chaplain that shares their faith.â€
“This law will enable municipalities in New Jersey to determine the most appropriate compensation for chaplains or those who volunteer in their fire departments to offer spiritual and personal counseling to the men and women who come to our aid on our worst days,†said Assemblyman Dan Benson.
“The new measure will enable local governments to make the best decisions for their communities and first responders.†■