General Department and Organization Questions
- Q4. What is the Spotswood Enterprise Hook & Ladder Company, Inc.?
- The Enterprise Hook & Ladder Company is the original name of this department that was
incorporated in May of 1898, this incorporation was disbanded in 1928, when the Enterprise Hook
& Ladder Company voted to join the municipal government of Spotswood thusly becoming the
Spotswood Fire Department. In order to better serve the citizens of Spotswood, the Spotswood
Enterprise Hook & Ladder Company was incorporated in 2008, in a restructuring agreement
between the fire department and the borough. This incorporation allows the members of the fire
department to raise funds and operate in a much more efficient method.
- Q5. What is the difference between the Spotswood Fire Department and the Spotswood
Enterprise Hook & Ladder Company?
- The Spotswood Fire Department has been the official branch of municipal government providing
fire protection for the borough and its residents since 1928, and continues to do so. The
Spotswood Enterprise Hook & Ladder Company, Inc. essentially provides the members to staff the
Fire Department vehicles while being independent to raise its own funds for non-firefighting
obligations such as the upkeep of the banquet hall. In a nutshell, if you call 911, the Spotswood
Fire Department responds, if you rent the banquet hall or make a donation, its to the Spotswood
Enterprise Hook & Ladder Company, Inc.
- Q6. How many members does the Spotswood Enterprise Hook & Ladder Company have?
- As of July 2009, there are over 40 brave men and women on the active, active life, and associate
member roles, three cadets, and over 50 life members.
- Q7. How many fire trucks does the Spotswood Fire Department use?
- We operate three engines (Engines 71-1, 71-2, 71-4), a brush truck, a utility pickup truck, and
two chief's command vehicles. See the Apparatus Page for more information.
Q8. How many calls does the Spotswood Fire Department run a year?
- We run approximately 180-200 calls a year that include: structure fires, brush fires, car fires,
smoke and carbon monoxide alarm activations, hazardous materials incidents, motor vehicle
accidents, and mutual aid assignments, just to name a few.
Q9. Why is it that sometimes I see other town’s fire trucks in Spotswood?
- While the Spotswood Fire Department is all volunteer, we are a small department and sometimes
need assistance from our neighbors. This generally occurs during the day on weekdays when
most members are at work, or at a larger scale incident where more firefighters are required. The
most common mutual aid departments that come into Spotswood are Monroe Township District
#1, East Brunswick District #1, and Helmetta.
Q10. I've seen a Spotswood fire truck in another town doing firefighting, why is that?
- Just like how other departments come into Spotswood when we are in need of assistance, we do
the same for any town in the county or state if need be (We've been as far as the Shell Refinery
Fire back in 1996), but we generally run Mutual Aid for Monroe Township, Helmetta, East
Brunswick, and Old Bridge.
Interest in Membership
- Q1. I have no prior training; can I join the Spotswood Fire Department?
- Certainly! We take applications from people willing to volunteer with us and would be happy to
hear from you. You can contact us by calling 732-251-3460 and leave a message in the Chief's
Mailbox. Or if you see cars in the parking lot just stop in and pick up an application. For more
information, check out the How to Join Page.
- Q2. I am a High School Student (Age 16-17) or have a son or daughter that age, is there a junior
program for them join?
- Yes! The Spotswood Fire Department has a Junior Auxiliary, otherwise known as the cadets. We
are looking for interested high school students 16-17 to join the department, to learn about how
firefighting works, gain experience, and work a valuable community service. Check the Cadet
Information Page for more.
- Q3. What incentives do I have to volunteer with the Spotswood Fire Department?
- Besides the excellent feeling you get by protecting and serving your community as a volunteer
firefighter, we also offer free training, and participate in the LOSAP (Length of Service Award
Program).
| General Info and Frequently Asked Questions |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Support and Misc. Questions
Q10. I am a leader of an organization and wish schedule either a tour of the firehouse or have
some firefighters come out to teach fire safety, how do I do that?
- Fire Prevention Month is in October when we host an open house and conduct fire safety classes
to the area schools, however, fire safety is an important facet of an education to people of all
ages young and old, and we will gladly work with your organization to arrange for something.
Please call 732-251-3460, and leave your contact information in the Chief's mailbox.
- For links and fire safety information available on our website, please check out the Fire Safety
Page
Q11. How can I make a donation to the Spotswood Enterprise Hook & Ladder Company?
- The Spotswood Enterprise Hook & Ladder Company, Inc, is a public charity in accordance with
IRS code section 501(c)(3). The costs of firefighters' dress uniforms, improvement to our banquet
hall, our continued support of local charities and youth organizations, and the restoration and
maintenance of our 1921 Ford Model-T antique fire engine are not covered by your municipal
taxes, but are in need of your support. If you would like to make a monetary donation to fund
these activities, which is tax deductible, please make checks payable to:
- Spotswood Enterprise Hook & Ladder Company, Inc.
495 Main Street
Spotswood, NJ 08884
- AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT!
Q12. I heard that the Spotswood Enterprise Hook & Ladder Company rents its banquet hall out for
my party; can I have some more info?
- Yes, we rent out our hall for all sorts of parties and events. Please see the Hall Rental Page, for
more Information.