A Length of Service Awards Program (LOSAP) is herewith created in accordance with Chapter 388 of the Public Laws of 1997, to reward volunteer members of the Stillwater Township Area Volunteer Fire Department and, where applicable, Stillwater Emergency Rescue/First Aid Squad for their loyal, diligent and devoted services to the residents of the Township.
[HISTORY: Adopted by the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater as indicated in article histories. Amendments noted where applicable.]
[Adopted 9-3-2002 by Ord. No. 2002-7 (§ 2-35 of the 1971 Revised General Ordinances); amended in its entirety 2-18-2025 by Ord. No. 2025-04]
The LOSAP shall provide for fixed annual contributions to a deferred income account for each volunteer member that meets the criteria set forth below. Such contributions shall be made in accordance with a plan that shall be established for the Township of Stillwater pursuant to P.L. 1997, c. 388 (N.J.S.A. 40A:14-183); 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.
The LOSAP shall provide for annual contributions to each eligible member that meets the following criteria each calendar year (January 1 through December 31) as follows:
Number of Points | Annual Contribution |
|---|---|
91 or more | $1,951.00 |
75 to 90 | $1,408.00 |
50 to 74 | $908.00 |
0 to 49 | $0 |
Starting on January 1, 2026, any such change in the aforementioned contributions above may be amended, revised and/or supplemented by a Resolution of the Stillwater Township Committee, unless the Township Committee chooses to amend Chapter 80 by Ordinance.
The estimated cost of the program has been calculated as follows: for regular annual service $60,000.00 per year. Starting on January 1, 2026, any such change in the aforementioned estimated cost above may be amended, revised and/or supplemented by a Resolution of the Stillwater Township Committee, unless the Township Committee chooses to amend Chapter 80 by Ordinance.
Each active volunteer member shall be credited annually, on December 31, with points for volunteer services provided to the Stillwater Township Fire Department and Stillwater Emergency Rescue/First Aid Squad in accordance with the following schedule. Points can be earned in any of the following categories:
A.
Incident response: Sixty (60) points maximum.
(1)
At least 20%, but less than 40% of all emergency calls per calendar year: Thirty (30) points.
(2)
At least 40%, but less than 60% of all emergency calls per calendar year: Forty (40) points.
(3)
At least 60%, but less than 80% of all emergency calls per calendar year: Fifty (50) points.
(4)
At least 80% or greater of all emergency calls per calendar year: Sixty (60) points.
(5)
Percentages for Fire Department members are based on the total number of emergency calls per year. For Rescue/First Aid Squad members, the percentage shall be based on the total number of calls for each member's respective duty crew.
(6)
Members that are both Firefighters and First Aiders/Rescue Squaders can combine points in the above categories, provided they meet the required percentages on separate calls.
B.
Longevity: Twenty-five (25) points maximum.
(1)
One (1) point per each active service year. For the purpose of this category, "active service" shall be defined as attendance at 40% or greater of all Fire Department or First Aid/Rescue Squad activities. Members who are both Firefighters and First Aiders/Rescue Squaders can not combine points in this category.
C.
Training courses: Twenty-five (25) points maximum.
(1)
Courses under twenty (20) hour duration: Two (2) points per hour, with a maximum of Ten (10) points.
(2)
Courses of Twenty (20) to less than Forty-Five (45) hours duration: Ten (10) points per course.
(3)
Courses of Forty-Five (45) to less than One Hundred (100) hours duration: Ten (10) points per course.
(4)
Courses over One Hundred (100) hours duration: Fifteen (15) points per course.
E.
Elected or appointed positions: Twenty (20) points maximum.
(1)
Completion of one (1) year term in an elected or appointed position equals the following points per title:
(a)
Fire Chief; EMS Captain or President: Twenty (20) points.
(b)
Assistant Chief, EMS Lieutenant or Vice President: Fifteen (15) points.
(c)
Fire Captain, Fire Lieutenant, Fire Foreman, Safety Officer, Fire Police Captain, EMS Second (2nd) Lieutenant, Secretaries, Treasurer or State Association Officers: Ten (10) points.
(d)
Engineers: Five (5) points.
(2)
Points may be combined for multiple positions held up to the maximum of Twenty (20) points.