Join us
Rutherford Fire Department is 100% volunteer 24/7/365. Located in southern Bergen County, Rutherford has approximately 18,000 residents in a 2.3 square mile area, only a 30 minute drive to downtown New York City. Three firehouses contain 5 total companies, each strategically located within the Borough. Engine 2 is located at the Mortimer Ave Firehouse, along with the special service unit (SSU) and marine unit (Marine 2).
The RFD responded to 581 calls for service in 2023, amongst numerous drills, trainings, meetings, cleanups and events.
Become apart of something bigger! Join the family!
Requirements to join:
- Be at least 18 years old prior to submitting application.
- Have a valid New Jersey drivers license.
- Be a resident of Rutherford or live within 1 mile of border (not required for special duty firefighter applicants).
- Those who work in Rutherford, but don’t reside in Rutherford, may apply to be a special duty firefighter.
- Pass a background check and physical exam.
Once completed, an applicant will become an auxiliary firefighter and may ride to calls, additionally auxiliary firefighters are given the opportunity to take Firefighter 1 certification through the Bergen County Fire Academy located in Mahwah, NJ. Once completed, auxiliary firefighters will receive a probationary firefighter shield.
- The Bergen County Fire Academy currently offers two schedules for Firefighter 1 (FF1) – Day and Nights
- Day classes are 5 days a week for approximately 5 weeks.
- Night classes are twice a week and last approximately 6-7 months.