VAN DREW/SCALERA BILL PROVIDING SURPLUS POLICE VEHICLES TO VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANIES ADVANCES

(TRENTON) - Legislation Assemblymen Jeff Van Drew and Fred Scalera sponsored to give volunteer fire departments across New Jersey access to surplus State Police vehicles was today released by the Assembly Law and Public Safety Committee.

The Van Drew/Scalera measure (A-1035) would require the Superintendent of the State Police to donate surplus troop vehicles to volunteer fire companies.

"Our volunteer fire companies provide a tremendous service to residents, often on a shoestring budget," said Van Drew (D-Cape May/Atlantic/Cumberland).  "We need to do more to ensure these volunteer companies have the ability to acquire life-saving vehicles and equipment in a manner that does not overburden local taxpayers."

Under the measure, the State Police would notify all volunteer fire companies when a surplus vehicle is available.  Fire companies that wish to receive the vehicle would have the opportunity to request that ownership be transferred to them.  Should more than one company express interest in a vehicle, the State Police would be authorized to hold a lottery to determine which fire department would receive it.

"It only makes sense that surplus police vehicles be given a new lease on life in firehouses throughout New Jersey," said Scalera (D-Essex/Bergen/Passaic), who also is deputy fire chief of Nutley.  "Access to these emergency-tested vehicles will ensure volunteer fire companies have all the tools necessary to do their job efficiently and without additional cost to local taxpayers."

The measure was unanimously released.  It now goes to the Assembly Speaker, who decides if and when to post it for a floor vote.

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