The New Jersey Marijuana Legalization Amendment (S2703/A4497) amends the state constitution to legalize the recreational use of marijuana for adults age 21 and older. It also legalizes the cultivation, processing, and sale of retail cannabis. The constitutional amendment took effect on January 1, 2021

Governor Murphy, in his 2021 budget address, committed a full payment into the State’s pension system. This will be the first full contribution since 1996. The Governor’s original plan had a 90% contribution planned for this year, with the first 100% contribution pegged for 2023. 

The Board approved the final steps to adopt the regulations, a groundbreaking achievement in setting the course for the transfer of fund assets and independent control over by the PFRS Board. Senior Board leadership and management are in ongoing discussions with the Governor’s office regarding the next steps of the asset transfer. The Board’s regulatory attention will now shift towards administrative regulations and the proposed modifications to the break-in-service rules. 

The “20-and-out” Bill, S1017, has passed both legislative Chambers and now is with the Governor’s Office for approval. The main implication of this bill is that members who have 20 years or more of service can retire on a 50% Service Retirement benefit at any age. Previously, the last piece of legislation which granted this benefit required that the member be enrolled by January of 2000 in order to retire at any age with 20 years of service. For members enrolled after that date, retirement was still available after 20 years however benefit payments would not start until the member attained the age of 55 years. This bill has no effect on the Special Retirement for members retiring with 25 or more years of service. 

The escort of Irvington Local 14 Recruit Victor Melillo from Morristown Medical Center, 100 Madison Avenue, Morristown will take place on Wednesday, March 17, 2021 at 1330 hours. Uniform will be Class A.

Services will be held Sunday, March 21, 2021 from 1400 to 1800 hours at SW Brown Funeral Home, 267 Centre Street, Nutley. Uniform will be Class A.

Funeral Mass will be held Monday, March 22, 2021 at Holy Family Church, 28 Brookline Avenue, Nutley at 1030 hours. Uniform will be Class A. 

February 2021

March 2021

Archived Bulletins Click Here

The efforts of the NJ FMBA and persistence displayed by the NJ FMBA Civil Service Liaison, Kevin Beyrouty, has resulted in a favorable response regarding the resumption of CSC testing status.

A message from the NJ State Fire Marshal's Office and the Division of Fire Safety...

The American Dream is hosting a First Responders Appreciation Week from January 10th-16th, 2021. For information on Discount Codes see more ....

The NJ FMBA recognizes the men and women of our organization and their heroic efforts both on and off-duty every year. The annual NJ FMBA Valor Awards Dinner is typically held in the spring of each year but due to the global pandemic the 2020 event had to be rescheduled. We may be facing similar challenges for the 2021 event and a decision will be made soon regarding when and where the event will be held. Applications can be filled out by using the link below. Any questions regarding the application or the status of the event, please call the NJ FMBA office at 732-499-9250. 

PFRS COVID-19 Accidental Disability Form

PFRS Application for Accidental Death Benefits Due to COVID-19

NJ FMBA/Caliendo COVID Presentation from February Meeting

Worker's Comp questions answered from February Meeting

PFRS COVID-19 Accidental Disability Form

PFRS Application for Accidental Death Benefits Due to COVID-19

NJ Department of Health COVID-19 Vaccine Phase 1A Letter

COVID-19 Vaccine Phase 1A Fact Sheet

NJ COVID-19 Vaccine Locations

For Immediate Release:

The NJ FMBA is proud to announce a partnership with Fire Department Coffee, Inc. The NJ FMBA and its members are eligible to purchase Fire Dept Coffee at a discount for the month of October using promo code NJFMBA and will receive 15% off their purchase. In addition to the discount to our members, the Fire Department Coffee has pledged that 15% of every order purchased using our promo code will be donated back to the NJ FMBA Foundation to support the Mark A. Virag Memorial Cancer Fund. 

Along with providing a growing selection of incredible coffee — including its signature spirit-infused roasts — Fire Dept. Coffee also supports heroes in need through the Fire Dept. Coffee Foundation. Ten percent of net proceeds are donated to help provide essential resources and assistance to first responders who have been injured on the job, mentally or physically, or who are facing other serious health challenges. If you, someone you know, or an organization you’re familiar with are in need of support, you can apply for assistance from the Fire Dept. Coffee Foundation.

The Fire Dept. Coffee Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization supporting groups that help firefighters and first responders who are injured on the job, mentally or physically, or who are facing other serious health challenges.

Each month, their first responder and firefighter support foundation directs 10% of net proceeds from Fire Dept. Coffee, as well as other charitable gifts, to support one or more worthy organizations or individual heroes in need.

Fire Dept. Coffee is a veteran-owned business dedicated to providing great-tasting coffee to people everywhere. Every order is freshly roasted in Rockford, Illinois, by a dedicated team of firefighters, first responders, and coffee connoisseurs.

Inspired by the vital role that coffee plays in helping firefighters stay alert and energized through long shifts, Fire Dept. Coffee was founded in 2016. Founder and CEO Luke Schneider is a full-time firefighter/paramedic and a U.S. Navy veteran who teamed up with firefighter/paramedic Jason Patton who is also a full-time firefighter and VP for Fire Department Coffee.

Fire Department Coffee is run by active and retired firefighters, including our operations officer and chief coffee roaster.

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The 124th Annual NJ FMBA Convention ended this week and although it was a convention unlike any other for many obvious reasons, the NJ FMBA gave a final farewell to one of its fallen firefighters. Members of the NJ FMBA and family members and friends gathered under a tent in a socially distanced environment at Harrah's Resort on Tuesday evening to pay tribute to Passaic FF Israel Tolentino, who was lost in the line of duty earlier this year to COVID-19. 

Division of Pensions and Benefits, SHBP/SEHBP COVID-19 Response The Division of Pensions and Benefits, together with our vendor partners Aetna, Horizon BCBSNJ, and OptumRx, are taking action to ensure that State Health Benefits (SHBP) and School Employees Health Benefits (SEHBP) members have the support and resources they need during the COVID-19 situation, which remains dynamic and evolving. The Division of Pension and Benefits has advised the Third Party Administrator for the SHBP and SEHBP that, effective immediately, all cost sharing for emergency room (in or out of network hospitals), urgent care (in network), or provider office visits (in network) associated with medically necessary testing for COVID-19 are to be waived. The Third Party Administrator has been directed to inform contracted providers about the waiving of cost sharing. The Pharmacy Benefit Manager has been directed, effective immediately, to lessen restrictions on early refill for Rx on maintenance medications so that individuals have access to medically necessary medications without waiting until the end of prescription cycle.

Dear NJ FMBA Member,

In light of the recent events in our country, around the world and now in our own back yard with COVID-19 and the recent Pandemic as well as the STAY AT HOME Executive Order by Governor Murphy, the FMBA clinical team would like to extend all of our thoughts and prayers to you and your families. We realize that we are in unchartered waters and stressful times. The enemy we are fighting cannot be seen and we are taking extraordinary measures to protect our citizens, members and our families. During such times, there is a significant amount of fear and worry surrounding the Coronavirus or COVID-19. Primarily because of the unknown factors associated with this virus. High levels of anxiety are not uncommon during periods of uncertainty. It is essential that you control what you can and stay grounded in reality based on facts and real evidence not fear. Reassurance is an important antidote to fear and uncertainty. Knowing that we will get through these challenging times stronger than before is the true definition of Resilience.