Frelinghuysen Volunteer Fire Company

05/05/2026

Today is International Firefighters’ Day!!!

It’s a day to recognize the men and women who step up when others are stepping back, those who answer the call, day or night, regardless of the situation in front of them.

At Station 84, that commitment is made by your neighbors. Volunteers who leave their homes, their families, and their jobs to respond when this community needs them most. There’s no clock to punch and no shift to end, just a responsibility to serve.

This day is about more than recognition. It’s about understanding what that service really means. The training, the time, the missed moments, and the willingness to put others first without expecting anything in return.

To our members, thank you for what you do, and for how you do it.

And to the residents of Frelinghuysen Township, your support matters more than you know. It’s what keeps this going.

If you’ve ever thought about stepping up and being part of something that matters, the door is always open.

04/30/2026

We’d like to continue our weekly series introducing the firefighters who make up Station 84 and proudly serve our community.

This week we are proud to recognize Benny Perez.

Benny has lived in Frelinghuysen Township for over 20 years and truly loves his community. During that time, he has been an incredibly active resident. He raised his two beloved children here and was often a volunteer at the Frelinghuysen Township School in various capacities during their time as students. He also served on the school board for more than five years and was always ready to lend a helping hand whenever needed.

Fondly known as “Coach Perez” to countless baseball, basketball, and football players, Benny has coached for Frelinghuysen, North Warren Recreation, and most recently Pope John XXIII Regional High School. Many of his former players still reach out to him to share updates on their lives, something he truly cherishes.

Benny has a gift for seeing the positive in people and fostering an atmosphere of respect, encouragement, and teamwork. At the station we call him, "The Glue," because when needed, he holds those around him together. These qualities make him not only a great coach, but a natural leader. Although humble and never one to seek the spotlight, those around him quickly recognize his dedication, work ethic, and commitment to others.

In his professional career, Benny is a decorated officer, having received two commendations from the Governor’s and Commissioner’s Offices. He also served as Academy Platoon Leader at both the County and State levels, further demonstrating the leadership qualities he brings to everything he does.

Despite a long commute and a demanding work schedule, Benny has never let that stand in the way of serving his community. Most recently, he took on the challenge of becoming a volunteer firefighter with the Frelinghuysen Township Volunteer Fire Company.

Benny successfully completed the rigorous twenty-week fire academy, an accomplishment he is proud of, and once again stood out among his peers, being selected as Class President. Throughout the academy, he and his classmates faced both physical and academic challenges. Benny met those challenges with grit and determination, while also helping others succeed through his humor, support, and positive attitude.

In recognition of his dedication and performance, Benny was awarded the Warren County Fire Academy Outstanding Recruit Award for Class #90.

Benny Perez is a proud member of the Frelinghuysen Township Volunteer Fire Company, and it is his honor to serve the community he has called home for over two decades.

Although for our brother, Benny Perez, saying thank you just doesn’t seem like enough, it’s all we can offer - that, and an unlimited supply of leftover Halloween candy.🎃😂

On behalf of our residents, our community, and your Station 84 family, thank you, Benny!!!

04/17/2026

We’d like to continue our weekly series introducing the firefighters who make up Station 84 and proudly serve our community.

This week we are proud to recognize Scott Winfield or “Scotty,” as most of us have known him since he was young.

Born and raised in Frelinghuysen, Scott comes from a family that has long been a pillar of our community. The Winfield family has volunteered on several committees over the years and has offered their time, services, and resources time and time again to help others.

Growing up, you would often see Scott and his brothers around town helping neighbors with yard work, snow removal, or whatever was needed. During soccer and softball seasons, Scotty could be found working at the Snack Shack, serving hot coffee, pretzels, and snacks to residents and visitors alike, always with a smile and a willingness to help.

When the discussion of forming a fire department began to take shape, Scott was chomping at the bit for his 18th birthday so he could join and become one of the founding members of the Frelinghuysen Township Volunteer Fire Company.

Like several of our members, Scott committed himself to completing the rigorous twenty-week fire academy while balancing both college and work. His dedication didn’t stop there. Scott was also one of the firefighters who responded early to a structure fire, where, equipped with his training and gear, he played an integral and crucial role, not only in knocking down the fire, but in helping to save the structure.

Scott Winfield is a valued, reliable, and respected member of our fire company. His leadership and commitment to the organization led to him being elected as Fire Company President, a role he has embraced with the same dedication he brings to everything he does.

Now a married man and a homeowner in the very township he serves, Scott represents what it truly means to come full circle. A young man who grew up serving his community in small ways has become a leader helping protect it in much bigger ones.

When we say it comes full circle, we wholeheartedly believe that describes our President, Mr. Scott “Scotty” Winfield.

On behalf of our residents, our community, and your Station 84 family, thank you, Scotty.

04/05/2026

03/20/2026

We’d like to continue our weekly series introducing the firefighters who make up Station 84 and proudly serve our community.

This week we are proud to recognize Christian Ventura.

Christian was a founding member and one of the first, if not the first, to step forward and join the Frelinghuysen Township Volunteer Fire Company. From the very beginning, he answered the call to help build something from the ground up for our community.

With more than 20 years of experience in emergency medical and emergency management services, Christian brought a strong foundation of knowledge and real-world experience with him when he moved to Frelinghuysen in 2020. He quickly became active within the township, serving as Deputy OEM and continuing his long-standing commitment to public service.

Wanting to further expand his role in protecting and serving our residents, Christian joined the fire department and completed the fire academy, a more than twenty-week commitment, all while juggling two careers, one of which is as an EMT. That level of dedication speaks directly to the type of person he is and the commitment he has made to this community.

Beyond his roles in emergency services, Christian is also active in our recreation basketball program, continuing to give back and stay involved with residents of all ages throughout the township.

What truly sets Chris apart is his personality. If you have already met him then you know that, he has a unique ability to bring calm and a sense of humor into some of the most stressful situations. No matter the circumstance, he is always ready to step up, lend a hand, and serve in whatever capacity is needed.

Christian hasn’t just been a great addition to our fire company, he and his family have become an invaluable part of the Frelinghuysen community.

Station 84 would like to take a moment to recognize and thank our brother, friend and firefighter, Christian Ventura for his continued dedication, service, and commitment to the residents we proudly serve.

03/19/2026

Happy Birthday to Daniel Birnbaum of SERVPRO, Team Fabiani. Not only are you a tremendous supporter of our fire company, but a true friend to our brotherhood. We appreciate everything you do for us and our community. Wishing you a great day and many more ahead, sir.

03/12/2026

We’d like to start a new weekly series introducing some of the firefighters who make up Station 84 and who proudly serve our community.

This week we would like to recognize two individuals who many of our residents already know well, Thomas Heaton and Jhonny Lopez Sosa.

Tommy and Jhonny are responsible for our DPW operations, buildings and grounds, and many of the day-to-day maintenance and repairs throughout the township. In addition to those responsibilities, they also serve as volunteer firefighters and are an invaluable part of our daytime fire company response.

Both Tommy and Jhonny spent more than twenty weeks attending the fire academy at night after already putting in long days serving our township. Their commitment didn’t stop when the workday ended, they chose to take on yet another vital role in protecting and serving the residents of Frelinghuysen.

As one of the founding members of the Frelinghuysen Township Volunteer Fire Company, Thomas Heaton was also the very first FTVFC engineer approved by the State. His dedication and commitment were recently recognized by a resident and his family who suffered a tragic house fire and reached out to express their gratitude for the kindness Tommy showed them during such a difficult time, not only as a firefighter, but as a township employee willing to step up when it mattered most. Tommy also recently purchased a home in our community, reaffirming his commitment to his first responder family and the town he serves.

Jhonny, also a founding member, represents the second half of an outstanding DPW crew that covers a significant amount of work for a two-person department. Like Tommy, Jhonny committed himself to serving the community by completing the twenty-plus week fire academy program after long days on the job. When Johnny heard about the need for volunteers, he said “sign me up” without hesitation.

Jhonny also played a vital role in the installation of the township signage along Route 612 and assisted with renovations to both the Morton Building and the township firehouse. Both Jhonny and Tommy have spent countless hours of their own time helping with projects around town that enhance and support the lives of our residents. For those who see Jhonny around town, you know that no matter the circumstance, he always has a smile on his face.

Station 84 wanted to take a moment to recognize two gentlemen who have consistently gone above and beyond for this community in so many ways.

From all of us at the Frelinghuysen Township Volunteer Fire Company, and on behalf of the community we serve, thank you, Tommy and Jhonny.

02/28/2026

A MESSAGE FROM OUR FIRE CHIEF.

As Fire Chief of the Frelinghuysen Township Volunteer Fire Company, I want our residents to know something simple, I’m not just your Fire Chief, I’m your neighbor.

Frelinghuysen Township is home for my family, just like it is for yours. Over the last two years, since our fire company was established and officially released into service by DFS, we’ve answered many calls. Through those responses, I’ve had the opportunity to meet and speak with many new faces throughout our community. Some were during difficult moments. Others were just conversations on Main Street or around town. Every one of them matters.

If you ever have a question, a concern, or even if you just want to introduce yourself and say hello, please feel free to give me a call directly, on my cell phone, at (201) 468-1872. I believe in being accessible and accountable to the residents we serve.

That said, if you are experiencing an emergency, always call 911. That will ensure the fastest and most appropriate response.

Our department was built by this community and for this community. I’m proud of the men and women who serve here, and I’m proud to serve alongside them, not just as Chief, but as a fellow Frelinghuysen resident.

02/22/2026

❄️ STATE OF EMERGENCY❄️

A State of Emergency is currently in effect for all 21 New Jersey counties as a winter storm moves through the area.

Heavy snow, strong winds, and dangerous travel conditions are expected, with the worst conditions overnight into tomorrow morning.

What to expect:
🚗 Roads may become snow-covered and hazardous. Travel could be difficult at times.
❄️ Blowing snow and high winds may reduce visibility.
⚡ Power outages and downed trees are possible.

Please plan ahead:
🚗 Avoid unnecessary travel if you can.
🔌 Charge phones and electronic devices.
🚑 Make sure you have essential emergency supplies.
⛽ Safely top off vehicles and generators.
🔦 Check flashlights and batteries now — not when you need them.

🚒 Frelinghuysen Township Volunteer Fire Company, Station 84, is monitoring the storm and ready to respond as needed.

Stay safe, stay warm, and in an emergency, dial 911.