On May 17th, 2025, we launched the Education & Training Committee’s first-ever training event. This inaugural session took place at the Union County Fire & EMS Academy, made possible through a collaborative effort with Michael Scanio, the Director of Emergency Services for Union County, and Academy Director Michael Tomich. We sincerely thank both of you for partnering with the NJ FMBA to provide a venue that allows us to deliver high-quality training to our members.

The class, “Modern Fire Behavior: Bringing Science to the Street & Tactical Thermal Imager Use for Fireground Decision-Making,” was taught by Captain Mike Delay (retired) from Fire Service Performance Concepts, LLC, and John Dixon, Battalion Chief for the Teaneck Fire Department and Academy Director at the Sussex County Public Safety Training Academy. It focused on two primary topics: modern fire behavior and the use of thermal imaging cameras on the fireground.

An important legal development with implications for NJ FMBA locals across the state was highlighted during the May 2025 meeting. State Counsel Craig Gumpel provided an analysis of a recent arbitration award involving Camden firefighters, offering insights that could benefit other locals in their contract negotiations.

“Please go on the PERC website to read it,” Gumpel advised, emphasizing the instructive nature of this case. The arbitration addressed two major issues: the duration of the new contract and salary increases. Notably, the arbitrator did not fully accept either the union’s proposal or the city’s position, instead crafting a middle-ground solution.

NJFMBA sticks with Hudson Democratic organization, goes for Angelozzi over Torrissi,backs Kenyatta Stewart

By David Wildstein, May 07 2025 4:08 pm