Within the Bureau of Fire Department Services there are several units. Each unit services the public in many different ways. Provided below is a brief description of how each unit functions within the Division of Fire Safety. For any additional information that you may need, please e-mail us at karen.luckie@dca.state.nj.us.

FIRE DEPARTMENT PROGRAMS

TYPE OF ASSISTANCE: Technical and Advisory

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Responsible for performing investigations into serious injuries or death of a firefighter in the line of duty and publishing the findings in a formal report. Additionally, this unit works with the Juvenile Firesetter Committee in the research and development of a statewide policy for preventing juveniles from setting fires, along with educating the public and the fire service about the problem.

OTHER INFORMATION: A toll-free 800 telephone helpline has recently been installed to give the public a direct line to request assistance. Also, in cooperation with the Department of Treasury, Purchase Bureau, develops specifications for firefighters' protective clothing and equipment for inclusion on the State Cooperative Purchasing Contract. This ensures fire departments that protective clothing purchased from the contract meets the standards established in the Public Employees Occupational Safety and Health Act.

ASSISTANCE PROVIDED TO: Fire Service organization, emergency medical service, state, county or municipal governments, and anyone dealing with the problems of a juvenile Firesetter including the public.
HELPLINE # 1-800-357-5230

FIRE INCIDENT REPORTING SYSTEM

TYPE OF ASSISTANCE: Technical

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: To administer a statewide fire incident reporting system that also serves as a central depository for the National Fire Incident Reporting System. Participating fire departments report emergency incidents in a standardized format that is passed on to the United States Fire Administration to be included in national statistics and analysis. The unit also analysis statewide data to identify trends and publishes an annual report titled "Fire in New Jersey."
ASSISTANCE PROVIDED TO: Any fire service organization or interested individual.

OFFICE OF TRAINING & CERTIFICATION

TYPE OF ASSISTANCE: Technical, Advisory, and Training

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: To provide statewide educational and training programs relating to fire protection, fire prevention, fire safety inspection, and to certify fire officials/fire inspectors who enforce the uniform fire code. Additionally, over 150 continuing education seminars are available annually. The office also develops training standards for various positions within the fire service and makes available training programs leading to certification in those positions. Continuing education programs are also available to individuals holding certain certifications. This program also offers National Fire Academy Training courses covering all aspects of firefighting.

ASSISTANCE PROVIDED TO: Fire service training academies, any fire service organizational or private individual.

PUBLIC EDUCATION

TYPE OF ASSISTANCE: Technical and Advisory

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Increases public awareness of fire safety by developing educational fire safety materials such as brochures, flyers, posters and booklets for distribution to schools, fire departments and the general public. Develops specific fire safety programs for schools, preschools and senior citizens; publishes a newsletter for members of the fire service and other individuals and organizations interested in fire safety; administers the VESO program, which provides loans to New Jersey Fire departments; and helps coordinate an annual fire safety poster contest for school children throughout the state.

ASSISTANCE PROVIDED TO: Municipalities, school, fire departments and the general public.