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Add as a preferred sourceRockaway Borough is moving toward paying its volunteer firefighters a modest quarterly stipend, part of an effort to recruit and keep members of the Rockaway Volunteer Fire Department.
The Mayor and Council introduced Ordinance 26-21 on first reading on Oct. 8, 2026. A public hearing and final vote are set for the council meeting on Thursday, Oct. 22, at 6:30 p.m. at the Borough of Rockaway Community Center, 21-25 Union Street, where residents can be heard.
The ordinance cites National Fire Protection Association figures showing the number of volunteer firefighters nationwide fell from 897,750 in 1984 to 676,900 in 2020, even as call volumes keep rising.
How the stipends would work
Firefighters and junior firefighters in good standing who keep up required training and certifications, attend at least half of quarterly drills and respond to at least 25 percent of calls would qualify. Quarterly payments would be based on overall attendance: $250 for at least 25 percent but under 50 percent, $650 for at least 50 percent but under 75 percent, and $1,000 for 75 percent or more.
Officers could also earn a quarterly leadership stipend, from $200 for a second lieutenant up to $750 for the chief. Combined stipends would be capped at $8,000 per member per year.
The program would also reimburse up to $2,800 in Firefighter I and Firefighter II training costs for members who stay active for a year after finishing, with up to three members approved each year unless the council authorizes more.
All payments would depend on annual funding, and the ordinance states that members remain volunteers, not borough employees. The fire department would report each year to the council on participation, costs and recruitment and retention results.
The ordinance applies only to the Rockaway Volunteer Fire Department in Rockaway Borough, which is a separate municipality from Rockaway Township. Copies are available from the Borough Clerk at anevins@rockawayborough.org or in the full ordinance. Thinking about joining? See our guide to the Rockaway Borough Fire Department.
Related coverage: Rockaway Borough Begins Emergency Well Repairs, Asks Residents to Conserve Water and Rockaway Borough Plans $721,250 in Water Improvements.
