Junior Department

Mountain Lakes has the largest and most active Junior Department in the state. The JFD was originally established during World War II when the residents were called to serve their country. It was disbanded and then re-established in 1968 and has been going strong ever since. The Junior Department is made up of high school students ranging from 16-18 years in age. Currently there are over 30 members serving in the Junior Department, with an active waiting list. Anyone interested in serving, please email info@mlvfd.com.

Junior members receive much of the same training and opportunities as the Senior members, including their ability to attend the Morris County Public Safety Training Academy, as well as respond to emergencies throughout the town. Juniors drill two to three Sundays a month on various tasks including hydrant hook-up, hose advancement, air-pack changes, as well as several other activities. Juniors also have the chance to attend monthly Senior drills and meetings. The Department currently has five officers: Chief, Deputy Chief, Assistant Chief and two Captains. The officers are appointed by the Senior advisors for a one year term. The Junior officers are responsible for the supervision of the other junior members at drills, fires and other emergencies.

We are very proud of our junior members for their dedication and commitment to the department and the community. The Mountain Lakes Junior Fire Department serves as a model for other departments.

We are always looking for more Junior and Senior members.For more information about how to join, visit our “Become a Volunteer!” page, or email info@mlvfd.com.

Scholarships:

1. Bott Award: The Department presents an annual service award to three graduating  seniors who have served in the Junior Fire Department.  The award is  named in memory of two long time MLVFD members, James Bott Sr. and his son  Robert.  The criteria for the award is based on attendance at drills, fire calls and other department activities.  The first place award is $2000, second place is $1500 and 3rd place is $1000.  These funds are to  assist the members with college expenses.  The awards are presented annually at the Mountain Lakes High School moving up day ceremony.
2. Thomas Taylor Award: The department also voted to name a special award in memory of Firefighter Thomas Taylor. Tom was a long time resident of Mountain Lakes and served in the department for 53 years. The recipient of the award will be a member of the Junior Department and selected by the Junior board of officers. The Chief of the Junior Department will make the presentation at the high school moving-up-day ceremony at the high school.
3. Mathew Riccardi Memorial Community Service Award: Matt Riccardi was a man of deep convictions, a passion for service, and an unbreakable will to do what was right. These qualities forged Matt into an exceptional leader in every aspect of his life. Matt found strength and guidance in his belief that everyone deserves a fundamental level of respect and compassion. This steadfast conviction led him to serve the community in a variety of leadership and service positions throughout his life, including President of the Mountain Lakes High School Student Government, executive board member of the Key Club, and the Deputy-Chief of the Mountain Lakes Junior Volunteer Fire Department and was an active member of his church choir. The Matthew Riccardi Memorial Community Service Award has been established to ensure that the legacy of our friend and brother not simply lives on but inspires even those who did not know him to live a life of leadership, service, and commitment.