Franklin Park Volunteer Fire Company - Station 31

04/11/2026

20 years ago today on April 11th, 2006, the East Franklin Fire Department, Franklin Township Emergency Services, and the friends and family of Foreman Kevin Apuzzio lost an enormous light that would brighten up any room that he walked into. Kevin had a passion for service, serving as an EMT in his hometown of Union, a member of the Rutgers Emergency Services, and a volunteer firefighter with East Franklin. In the early morning hours of this day 20 years ago, Franklin District 3 responded to reports of a house fire. Upon arrival, Kevin and his crew were tasked with rescuing a victim who was still inside the burning home. Kevin and his crew responded as any of us would, and entered the house putting others lives before their own. Kevin made the supreme sacrifice that day, at just 21 years old. The somber remembrance of Kevin and his inspiration to others will live in infamy. Continue to rest easy brother, we got it from here.

02/24/2026

A reminder to all who are in close proximity to a hydrant: help us out by “adopting” your hydrant and clearing the snow 3 feet in each direction. Help us get into action when seconds matter most.

02/14/2026

Thank you all so much for your amazing support! 🌹 Our Rose Sale is officially SOLD OUT! We’re so grateful for each and every one of you.

02/11/2026

01/31/2026

Yesterday January 30th, at approximately 14:48 (2:48pm), District 2 (FPFD, Griggstown , and Little Rocky Hill ) along with the Franklin Township Fire Inspectors were dispatched to a restaurant on Route 27 for a reported fire in the kitchen, possibly from the hood system. Car 35, Engine 31, and multiple FM-8 Units arrived simultaneously, with Chief 35 establishing command. Truck 31 responded and set up to the roof to verify that there was no fire inside the hood system. Interior crews discovered a fire behind a wall inside the kitchen, which was promptly removed and the fire extinguished by use of a 1 3/4” handline. With all hot spots extinguished and overhaul completed, the scene was turned over to the Franklin Township Bureau of Fire Prevention for the investigation. Truck and Engine 31 were fully restored and back in service by 16:00 (4:00pm). Other units on scene included Engine and Brush 35, along with Rescue 41.

01/31/2026

At approximately 08:06 (8:06am) on Thursday, January 29th, District 2 (FPFD, Griggstown , and Little Rocky Hill ) was dispatched to an address on Bennington Parkway for a reported basement fire. Community Fire Co. 1 () Assistant Chief 25, a resident in the area, passed by the house just after dispatch and informed Somerset County Communications as well as responding Chief 31 that there was smoke showing from the house, confirming a working fire. Having this information, Chief 31 requested that the first alarm Box 31-35 be filled out, bringing in additional companies. Engine 31 arrived and stretched a 1 3/4” handline to the basement, where the fire was reported. While the crew from Engine 31 was in the basement, Engine 1 from the Fire Districts of South Brunswick arrived and stretched another 1 3/4” handline as a backup line, knocking down the now auto-exposed exterior fire. Truck 31 arrived and was tasked with assisting in opening up the wall that had burned to ensure that the fire was fully extinguished. Once the fire was confirmed out, the scene was turned over to the Franklin Township Bureau of Fire Prevention to investigate the cause. All Franklin Park units were fully restored and back in service by 10:00 (10:00am). We thank all of our mutual aid partners, specifically Kingston () and North Brunswick Fire Co. 3 () for standing by and covering the District while our units operated. Units on scene included Engine and Car 35 and Rescue 41, along with multiple FM-8 Units.

Later that same day, at approximately 15:08 (3:08pm), Truck 31 was requested into the Monmouth Junction of South Brunswick Township for a Box 20-20 second alarm structure fire. Once on scene, the Trucks crew of 6 was tasked with fire attack and overhaul on the second floor of the main fire building. The crew operated inside for approximately 25 minutes until being relieved and released shortly thereafter. Truck 31 was fully restored and back in service by 17:45 (5:45pm).
This was the third call of the 29th, these two noteworthy calls following a water problem at 02:23 (2:23am).

01/31/2026

Congratulations, gentlemen. You have dedicated more than 200 hours at the Academy and have successfully completed Fire 1. Keep pushing forward, continue learning, and take pride in this achievement—this is only the beginning. Congratulations to you all.

01/16/2026

Just before noon today at 11:57am, Franklin Fire District 2 (FPFD, Griggstown , and Little Rocky Hill ) and the Franklin Township Bureau of Fire Prevention were dispatched to the intersection of South Middlebush Road and Route 27 for a reported truck on fire. Car 31-2 arrived on location with Deputy Chief 31 establishing command. Engine 31 responded with a crew of 6 and stretched a 1 3/4” hose line to bring the fire under control. Units from Franklin Township Police Department () as well as South Brunswick Police Department () assisted with closing down lanes of travel during the duration of the incident. Members from the Somerset County HazMat Team also responded to ensure that there were no environmental hazards. Other units on scene included Utility 31, Engine 35, various Fire Prevention units, and NJDOT. Engine 31 was back in quarters by 14:00 (2:00pm).

01/03/2026

With 2026 underway, the FPFD presents the 2025 Year End Video.

The Franklin Park Fire Department in Franklin Township, Somerset County, NJ 2025 end of year video.

12/13/2025

Santa and his elf are gearing up and getting ready to head out! https://glympse.com/!fpfdsanta2025

12/06/2025

Last night at approximately 23:50 hours (11:50pm), The FPFD and Middlebush Station 44 () were dispatched to Hempstead Drive for a reported dumpster fire with possible exposure issues to vehicles, or potential for fire impingement on nearby vehicles. Car 31 arrived on scene and confirmed a working dumpster fire with exposure issues being mitigated by residents moving their vehicles away from the dumpster. Squad 31 responded with a crew of 6 and was instructed to stretch the 1 3/4” bumper line on arrival. Truck 31 arrived and provided an additional 5 members along with tools and equipment. The fire was completely contained to the dumpster and quickly extinguished. The Squad was back in quarters and available for any other emergencies by 00:30 hours (12:30am).

12/05/2025

Next Saturday, December 13th, Santa will be making the trek down to Franklin Park all the way from the North Pole to deliver some early holiday cheer! We’ll be escorting Santa all throughout Franklin Park starting at 10am sharp! Listen for the sirens and come outside, Santa and his elves may have a sweet or two for you!