Red Bank Fire Department Considers Consolidation

In an effort to save money and bolster the ranks of two separate Red Bank fire companies on the west side of town, Council President Art Murphy, in his report before the council meeting Wednesday night, said a committee is considering consolidating Union Hose and Westside Hose.

The committee, comprised of volunteer fire fighters, including several former department chiefs, is weighing its options about what to do, not only with the two companies, but their buildings, too. Murphy said there’s a possibility that one of the two buildings, which are owned by department members, could be sold.

The Red Bank Volunteer Fire Department is comprised of six different companies spread out throughout the borough. Red Bank owns a few of its fire department buildings but leases others. Murphy did not know the cost of leasing either of the buildings considered for consolidation off hand but said eliminating the cost of leasing one of them would save the borough money.

Consolidation, he said, would not impact service. If the decision is made to sell one of the buildings, both of the department’s engines, along with the companies’ fire fighters, would be housed in the one that remains.

“It’s not going to be an issue,” he said. “And, they’re only a mile and a half from each other as it is.”

Union Hose and Westside Hose are sister companies that jointly protect the west end of the borough between the railroad tracks and the Navesink River. The Union Hose, incorporated in 1897, according to the borough website, sits on Shrewsbury Avenue. The , the department’s youngest, was incorporated 101 years ago and is located on Leighton Avenue.

Murphy said there’s no timetable for the consolidation, but that it’s being actively discussed by the committee currently.