Borough of South River, NJ Chapter 54 Length of Service Awards Program

[HISTORY: Adopted by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of South River 7-21-1999 by Ord. No. 1999-19 (Ch. 36 of the 1977 Code).[1] Amendments noted where applicable.]

[1] Editor's Note: This ordinance was approved by voters as a Public Question at the general election held on November 2, 1999.

§ 54-1 Program created.

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.

§ 54-2 Contributions to deferred income account.

[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.

[c] Secretary: 10 points.

[d] Treasurer: 10 points.

[e] Trustee/Representatives: 10 points.

[2] Line officers.

[a] Chief: 20 points.

[b] Assistant Chief: 15 points.

[c] Captain: 15 points.

[d] Lieutenants: 10 points.

[e] Chief Drive: 10 points.

[f] Driver: five 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.

§ 54-3 Estimated cost.

[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.

§ 54-4 List of qualifying members; vesting.

[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.