[Ord. No. 19-1994]
There shall be a Fire Department of the Borough, established in accordance with provisions of this article.
The Borough of Hightstown recognizes Hightstown Engine Company No. 1, a duly incorporated volunteer fire company, as an agent and instrumentality of the Borough for the prevention and control of fire. The company is authorized to use the hydrants and other facilities of the Borough in the exercise of its functions.
[1991 Code § 18-2]
The Company shall constitute the Fire Department and shall be governed by its bylaws duly adopted and approved by the Council. A Chief, First Assistant Chief and Second Assistant Chief of the Department shall be elected in accordance with the bylaws, but no person so elected shall take office unless and until confirmed by the Council.
[1991 Code § 18-3; Ord. No. 2015-25]
The company shall elect firefighters to membership. Each successful applicant for membership shall be:
A. 
A citizen or lawful permanent resident of the United States.
B. 
Not less than 18 years of age and not more than 40 years of age.
C. 
In good health and of sound body, to be evidenced by a certificate to that effect signed by a licensed practicing physician of the State of New Jersey.
D. 
Approved for membership by filing on the approved form of the State Firemen's Association a written application for membership in the Department before being appointed by the Mayor and Council.
[1991 Code § 18-4]
A. 
The Chief of the Fire Department shall:
(1) 
Have full and complete control at all fires, being held accountable for his actions to the Council only, and make such written and verbal reports as the Council may require. All other departmental officers shall be accountable to the Chief, or such officer who is acting as Chief in his absence, and to the Council.
(2) 
Give special orders and instructions and be responsible to the Council for the personnel, morale and general efficiency of the Department.
(3) 
At least twice a month conduct suitable drills or instructions in the operation and handling of equipment, salvage, a study of buildings in the central business district, fire prevention, water supply and all other matters generally considered essential to good firemanship and safety of life and property from fires.
(4) 
Assist the proper authorities in suppressing the crime of arson by investigating or causing to be investigated the cause, origin and circumstances of all fires of questionable origin.
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. 1-8)]
(5) 
Enter all buildings and premises at any reasonable time for the purpose of making a fire inspection and serve written notice upon the owner or occupant to abate, within 10 days after receipt of written notice, all fire hazards that may be found. The inspector, if other than the Chief, shall be approved by proper resolution of the Council.
B. 
In the absence of the Chief, the First Assistant Chief shall perform the duties of the Chief at all fires and emergencies. In the absence of the Chief and the First Assistant Chief, the Second Assistant Chief shall serve in this capacity. In the absence of the Chief, the First Assistant Chief and the Second Assistant Chief, the Captain shall serve in this capacity.
[1991 Code § 18-5; amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. 1-8)]
Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:14-56 et seq., a firefighter otherwise qualified who has performed 60% of fire duty in the Department during each of seven years shall be entitled to the issuance of an exempt fireman certificate and all of the rights and privileges incident thereto. Sufficiency of service shall be established by records of the Department filed annually with the Borough Clerk. Such records shall be verified by the Chief pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:14-57.
[1991 Code § 18-6]
A. 
Use; diversion. No person shall use any Borough-owned fire apparatus or equipment for any private purpose, nor shall any person willfully and without authority take away or conceal any article belonging to or used in any way by the Department.
B. 
Handling. No person shall enter any place where fire apparatus is housed nor handle any equipment, property or apparatus belonging to the Department unless accompanied by or having the special permission of an officer or authorized member of the Department.
C. 
Removal; assignment. No apparatus shall be removed from or be permitted to leave the Borough without the consent of the Chief or the next highest ranking officer available. The officer in charge of the Department shall have the power to assign the equipment for response to calls for outside aid in accordance with this paragraph and in other cases only when the absence of such equipment, in his judgment, will not jeopardize protection in the Borough.