A length of service awards program (LOSAP) is herewith created in accordance with Chapter
388 of the Laws of 1997 to reward members of the South River Volunteer Fire Department and South River Volunteer First Aid Squad for their loyal, diligent and devoted services to the residents of the Borough of South River.
[Amended 4-8-2002 by Ord. No. 2002-8]
The LOSAP shall provide for fixed annual contributions to a deferred
income account for each volunteer member that meets the criteria set forth
below; that such contributions be made in accordance with a plan that shall
be established by the Borough of South River pursuant to P.L. 1997, c. 388;
and that such plan shall be administered in accordance with the laws of the
State of New Jersey, the United States Internal Revenue Code and this chapter.
A. Volunteer Fire Department: acquiring 100 points within
the calendar year January 1 to December 31 of a given year as set forth in
the criteria stated below for members of the South River Volunteer Fire Department.
(1) To receive the yearly tax deferred income benefits, an
active volunteer of the South River Volunteer Fire Department must acquire
100 points from the calendar year January 1 to December 31. Point shall be
acquired as hereinafter set forth:
(a) Alarms: one point for every dispatched emergency call
(75 points maximum per year).
(b) Drills: one point for every official fire company/monthly
drill or other drills designated by the Chief (15 points maximum per year).
Members must be in attendance for the total duration of the drill, faithfully
and actually participating. Drills start at the stated time and are not complete
until the apparatus are properly housed and ready for emergency service.
(c) Training: one point for every two hours of each classroom
course attended (10 points maximum per year). Points accumulated for instruction/training
will be given in the same year as the instruction/training occurred and no
other year. If said instruction/training class had a pass/fail test, a passing
or having acquired a certificate of completion must be obtained to receive
said points. The date on any certificate is the year in which the credit shall
be given. Training will only be approved that directly relates to the Fire
Department functions. Training shall be provided in-house or other locations
by qualified persons. An individual, who has special expertise or abilities
in a subject area, whether or not the instructor is a member of the Fire Department
or a qualified fire service instructor, may conduct a training class as approved
by the Fire Chief.
(d) Meetings: one point for every company meeting/special
meeting attended (12 points maximum per year). The member must be in attendance
for the total duration of the meeting. Meeting started at a stated time will
commence with the call to order and not be concluded until adjournment. Missing
any portion of the meeting will not allow said points to be earned.
(e) Length of service: one point for every five years of
service to the Fire Department (10 points maximum).
(f) Work details: one point for every assignment completed,
including but not limited to truck reports, SCBA reports and House Committee
(10 points maximum per year).
(g) Position: an active member of the volunteer Fire Department
who has completed a one-year term in an elected or appointed position as set
forth below shall receive the stated points for such: (40 points maximum)
[1] Administrative officers.
[a] President (President shall acquire no points for being
the XEX officer of all committees): 15 points.
[b] Vice President: five points.
[e] Trustee/Representatives: 10 points.
[2] Line officers.
[b] Assistant Chief: 15 points.
(h) Delegate to the NJ State Firemen's Convention/Exemption
Association: 10 points. Member must attend each session of the convention
in order to receive points.
(i) Life members for the NJ State Firemen's Convention/Exempt
Association: 10 points. Member must attend each session of the convention
in order to receive points.
(j) Special events: participation in activities not otherwise
listed which are announced in advance by the Chief of the Fire Department,
one point per each activity (10 points maximum per year).
(2) No points shall be awarded for the following items: personal
leave of absence, medical leave of absence, Federal Family and Medical Leave
Act, State Family Medical Leave Act, military leave or absence and inactive
status.
B. South River Rescue Squad: attendance at 15% of all calls/alarms
for volunteers of the South River First Aid Squad.
[Amended 7-19-2004 by Ord. No. 2004-32]
The estimated cost of the program has been calculated as follows: for
regular annual services excluding administration, not to exceed $112,800.
[Added 4-8-2002 by Ord. No. 2002-8]
A. Annually, a list certified under oath to the Mayor and
Council of all volunteer members who have qualified for credit under the LOSAP
Program for the previous year shall be provided to the governing body by the
Chief and President of the Fire Department and Rescue Squad, respectively.
B. A member will be vested upon completion of five years
of accredited service without three consecutive noncredited years.