June 02, 2025
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.
May 15, 2025
NJFMBA sticks with Hudson Democratic organization, goes for Angelozzi over Torrissi,backs Kenyatta Stewart
By David Wildstein, May 07 2025 4:08 pm
The New Jersey State Firefighters Benevolent Association has endorsed 64 incumbent members of the State Assembly, but is backing Chigozie Onyema in the Democratic primary for State Assembly in the 28th district against incumbent Garnet Hall (D-Maplewood).
In the 8th district, the firefighters went with Anthony Angelozzi, a Hammonton public school teacher, against a primary opponent and over the Republican incumbent, Michael Torrissi (R-Hammonton).
The union is supporting the six Assembly candidates backed by the Hudson County Democratic Organization, bypassing incumbents Barbara McCann Stamato (D-Jersey City) and Jessica Ramirez (D-Jersey City); both are running on a slate with Steven Fulop, a Democratic gubernatorial candidate and the mayor of Jersey City. The firefighters instead opted for incumbent William Sampson (D-Bayonne) and Hudson County Commissioner Jerry Walker in the 31st district, Jennie Pu and Crystal Fonseca in the 32nd, and incumbent Gabe Rodriguez (D-West New York) and Larry Wainstein in the 33rd.
March 25, 2025
In an important push for recognition and support, the New Jersey State Firefighters Mutual Benevolent Association (NJFMBA) is leading efforts to designate Emergency Medical Services (EMS) as an essential service in the state. This designation would bring much-needed benefits and protections to EMS professionals who provide critical life-saving care daily.
Currently, New Jersey law only recognizes police, fire, and sanitation as essential services. This oversight means EMS departments often struggle with funding, staffing, and resources despite their crucial role in public safety. As FMBA EMS Committee Chair Steve Spurr noted at the March 2025 meeting, "This is common sense. EMS should be considered essential service."