HAMILTON FMBA LOCALS 84 AND 284 ENDORSE CARABELLI, MARTIN AND TIGHE FOR COUNCIL

Cite Failure of “Yaede Team” To Better Protect Residents Through Consolidation

Hamilton, NJ – Hamilton FMBA Locals 84 and 284, the unions representing Hamilton Township’s career firefighters, announced their endorsements of Anthony Carabelli, Jr., Jeff Martin and Rick Tighe for Hamilton Township Council earlier today.

“Nearly two years ago our members kicked into gear an effort to bring important change to the Hamilton Township Fire Department,” stated Nick Buroczi, President, Hamilton Fire Officers Local 284. “Whether you take the kick off date, the date we turned in the original petitions, the date we submitted the final petitions over a year ago, or March 17 of this year when the Council stated that consolidation was the number one issue facing Hamilton, the fact is they have failed to act.”

“When the alarm rings in one Hamilton’s firehouses our members dutifully respond, doing anything we must to protect our neighbors and residents,” stated Shane Mull, President, Hamilton FMBA Local 84. “Every day Mayor Yaede and her team have let go by without bringing consolidation to Hamilton Township is another day they’ve put us and those raising the alarm in even greater danger.”

“This race, from a firefighting perspective, has statewide implications,” stated Eddie Donnelly, President, NJ FMBA. “Where elected officials fail to act when it comes to the safety of our members, and the residents we serve, we will. We will exercise our voices and be heard in the ballot box.”

“We need to ensure that our firefighters have the safest and most efficient structure here in Hamilton,” said Anthony Carabelli, Jr.  “Fire consolidation will allow these brave men and women to meet the many challenges of their profession and, at the same time, provide our residents with the best in fire safety,” said Carabelli.

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“Just as Hamilton does not have nine police departments, it should not have nine fire districts,” said Rick Tighe.  “Our first priority is public safety.  Fire consolidation makes Hamilton safer for our residents, our businesses and for the men and women who risk their lives responding to emergencies,” said Tighe.

“It’s time for one clear chain of command, one equipment program and one Hamilton Township Fire Department,” said Jeff Martin.  “Our goal is a safe, efficient and cost-effective Fire Department.  Fire consolidation accomplishes all of these goals,” said Martin.

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CONTACT:             Steve Lenox, (973) 715-7330

Hamilton FMBA Locals 84 and 284