Category Archives: Commissioners
Shell Oil Appreciation
On Wednesday, June 7, 2023, the Woodbridge Fire Department presented representatives from the Shell Oil Industrial Terminal located in Sewaren with plaques to express its gratitude and appreciation for their support and dedication to training and public safety. Sean Murphy (Operations Manager), Paul Fatum (Maintenance and Business Service Manager), and Brian Pado (Operations Maintenance Coordinator) have worked closely with the members of the Woodbridge Fire Department and have been an integral addition to the Department’s pre-plan and preparedness initiative. Industrial firefighting presents unique challenges that require strategic planning and tactics as well as specialized tools and equipment that differ from traditional structural firefighting.
The Sewaren Terminal is the largest of all Shell terminals in the world with the second largest being in Carson City, California. With that knowledge, Shell recognized the need for specialized training and continues to graciously sponsor two members from the Woodbridge Fire Department to attend the annual Shell Corporate Fire School at the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service in College Station, Texas. It is at this multi-day, hands-on training that firefighters learn the best approach to a major incident in an industrial facility to be better prepared should it occur, like the lightning strike that caused a fire in the Sewaren Shell Oil Terminal on June 11, 1996. This year, Shell also sponsored two additional attendees from the Middlesex County Hazardous Materials Unit, of whom the Woodbridge Fire Department works with closely.
It is also imperative to conduct individualized training that is specific to the Sewaren Terminal as it pertains directly to the facility in our backyard. Shell and its employees open their gates to the members of the Woodbridge Fire Department each year to participate in simulated fire and water rescue incidents. These simulations afford the Department the opportunity to identify strengths and weaknesses so that improvements can be made alongside the employees at Shell.
Lastly, Shell understands that the specialized equipment required to safely, effectively, and quickly mitigate industrial incidents comes with a hefty price tag. Shell supports the Department’s purchases of this equipment to ensure its preparedness while also eliminating the financial burden on the taxpayers of Fire District #1.
The Woodbridge Board of Fire Commissioners, Chief Michael Balog, Deputy Chief Robert Minkler Jr., Deputy Chief Stephen Weber, Pre-Plan Battalion Chief Mark Minkler, and all members of the Woodbridge Fire Department extend their heartfelt thanks to Sean, Paul, Brian, and the entire Shell organization for their continued support of the Woodbridge Fire Department and to their dedication to ensuring the safety of the residents of District #1.
Newly Appointed Officers
Commissioner Jeff Moran, Commissioner Jay Barcellona, Captain Ryan Horvath, Battalion Chief Chad Carrick, Deputy Chief Robert Minkler Jr., Commissioner Robert Minkler Sr., Chief Michael Balog, Deputy Chief Stephen Weber, Commissioner Jack Kenny, Battalion Chief Michael Mastanduno, Captain Michael Magda, Commissioner Patrick Kenny
Captain Michael Magda, Captain Ryan Horvath, Deputy Chief Robert Minkler Jr., Chief Michael Balog, Deputy Chief Stephen Weber, Battalion Chief Michael Mastanduno, Battalion Chief Chad Carrick
Residents of Fire District 1 Budget Vote
To the residents and businesses of Woodbridge Fire District #1
The Board of Fire Commissioners of Fire District #1 would like to provide you the following information in light of questions and concerns brought to our attention regarding the upcoming Fire District Budget and Referendum questions on Saturday, February 18, 2023.
The 2023 budget we are asking the public to approve is for approximately $17 million, of which, $15.3 million is to be raised by taxation. Included in this amount are previously voter approved items such as replacement of self-contained breathing apparatus, replacement of two way radios, and firehouse modifications to make the building drainage system compliant.
The $17 million budget includes the $3.4 million being asked for in the referendum question to hire 12 additional firefighters. This cost is comprised of salary, benefits, pension, training, uniforms, personal protective equipment, and other specialized rescue equipment. The additional personnel are needed to maintain minimum standards of safe staffing levels for our residents and our firefighters. Unfortunately, over the last decade, we have seen a drastic reduction in community members volunteering to be firefighters due to societal changes and increases in training hours and requirements. In 2012 we had an average of 6.4 volunteers responding to an incident whereas in 2022 that number was 1.5. The Board of Fire Commissioners has been proactive in trying to replace those 5 less people responding to you when you call 9-1-1 in cost effective ways. A recruitment company was contracted to promote the volunteer fire company and recruit volunteer firefighters but has not been as successful as hoped. The Board of Fire Commissioners has also entered into automatic aid agreements with neighboring departments to provide assistance but due to their own call volume may not always be available when needed. These 12 additional firefighters will provide more personnel available to help you at a cost of approximately $350 a year or .95¢ per day.
The Board of Fire Commissioners hopes to have your support on this budget and referendum. As always, we are here to address any questions or concerns.
Call us anytime at 732-602-6040 and ask for Chief Michael Balog or Lisa.
Thank you