The Stirling VFC answered 219 alarms in 2001 and 205 alarms in 2000.  The volunteers also expend about 900 hours in training and maintenance each year.

The 25 active members of the Fire Company accomplish their fire/rescue tasks using:

• A 1998 Smeal/Spartan rescue truck - Rescue 26 is the first truck to respond to car accidents, carbon monoxide alarms, trapped persons, etc., where rescue rather than fire is more likely to be the controlling issue.  Follow the link to also read about our role in regional Confined Space Rescue.
• A 2001 Smeal/Spartan pumper delivered in February, 2002. - Engine 22 is currently the primary response engine.
• A 2002 Ford Explorer, used as a command vehicle- Command vehicle 20. It is also equipped for use in difficult terrain situations.
• A 1987 Hahn pumper . The pumpers arefire attack vehicles which means they are wholly self-contained and carry all the hoses, ladders, pumps and a water supply to immediately begin fighting a fire when they arrive at the scene.
• A 1938 Diamond "T" pumper, which is primarily used as a parade and nostalgia vehicle.

THERMAL IMAGING CAMERA

The thermal imaging camera is a state-of-the-art tool for detecting very slight differences in temperatures within its range of view.  The fire fighter uses this tool to detect the presence of human life in a smoke-filled area where ordinary visibility is impossible.  The camera works by displaying temperature variations between the human body and the surrounding area. In this photo of the thermal imaging camera in action, you can see the heat generated by the head and hands of a "victim" just to the right of the center of the screen. The Stirling Fire Company received this $15,000 tool as a grant from the State of New Jersey.

The company also sponsors a Junior Firefighter program for young adults aged 16-21.

	Ready

And of course, we'd like you to consider joining if you'd like to help the "Defenders of the South End" protect the community in a hands-on way.  Email us, and an officer will contact you.