| The Chester Volunteer Fire Company has proudly protected the homes, families, businesses, and lives of Chester Borough and Chester Township for generations—all at a fraction of what most communities pay for fire protection. Thanks to the dedication of our volunteer firefighters and the continued partnership and support of both Town Councils, Chester receives exceptional fire protection services while keeping costs low for taxpayers.
What many residents don't realize is what would happen if volunteer firefighting were no longer available.
Experts estimate that transitioning to a fully paid municipal fire department would increase annual operating costs dramatically, resulting in substantial and permanent tax increases for residents and businesses. This is not a worst-case scenario—it is the financial reality of operating a career fire department in New Jersey. Once those expenses become part of the municipal budget, they continue year after year.
A paid fire department involves far more than firefighter salaries. It requires funding for full-time staffing, overtime, pensions, healthcare benefits, workers' compensation, training, equipment, and long-term retirement obligations. These costs grow over time and place a lasting burden on local taxpayers.
It's easy to assume that if volunteers become unavailable, the town can simply hire firefighters. While that is possible, it comes with a significant financial cost. Today, Chester benefits from neighbors who willingly leave family dinners, holidays, jobs, and even the middle of the night to respond to emergencies—providing an extraordinary level of service at minimal cost beyond the support needed to operate the department.
That model only works when members of the community continue to step forward.
Across New Jersey, volunteer fire departments are facing declining membership as more people believe someone else will answer the call or feel they don't have enough time. Yet Chester's volunteers have careers, families, and busy lives too. They have shown that it is possible to serve while balancing everyday responsibilities.
If volunteer numbers continue to decline, the only remaining option will be a fully staffed paid department—and with it, a significant and permanent increase in local taxes.
This isn't just about dollars and cents. It's about preserving the spirit of our community. The Chester Volunteer Fire Company is neighbors protecting neighbors. It is built on service, commitment, and pride—not profit.
Every new volunteer helps preserve this tradition and delays or prevents the need for a costly paid department. Every resident who becomes involved helps protect Chester's independence, character, and affordability. There is a reason so many New Jersey communities of similar size continue to rely on volunteer or combination fire departments: the cost of a fully paid department is simply too great for many towns to absorb.
Chester still has a choice—but that choice depends on the actions we take today.
If you are physically able, consider becoming a volunteer firefighter. No prior experience is necessary—we provide the training. If volunteering isn't possible for you, there are still many ways to help. Support those who serve, encourage your friends, neighbors, and family members to get involved, donate to the department, advocate for volunteerism, and show your appreciation to those who answer the call.
One day, the siren may sound for someone you love. When that happens, nothing matters more than knowing someone is on the way.
The future of fire protection in Chester depends on the decisions we make today. Help ensure that future generations continue to have neighbors ready to answer the call—not a tax burden that could have been avoided.
Interested in learning more?
Visit the Chester Volunteer Fire Company at the Main Street firehouse on:
Wednesdays: 7:00–9:00 PM
Sundays: 9:00–11:00 AM
Meet our members, tour the station, learn what we do, and discover how you can make a difference for the Chester community. Your community needs you—and your involvement can help protect both lives and taxpayers for years to come.
Email: cvfcrecruiter@chesterfirenj.org |
