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Fire Company Issues Smolder in West Cape May

Government | Tue, 11/25/2008 - 2:18 pm | Updated 3 years 24 weeks ago | Read 3483 | Commented 57 | Emailed 5
Tags: Borough of West Cape May, West Cape May, West Cape May Volunteer Fire Company

By Jack Fichter

Fire Company bell shows 1904 date/Jack Fichter

WEST CAPE MAY — Borough Commission and West Cape May Volunteer Fire Company have been at odds for nearly one year over signing an agreement to designate the volunteer fire company as the official fire company for West Cape May.

There are side issues of the lack of an all call agreement with other fire companies and a lease for the fire hall.

The stickiest issue: The fire company has refused to allow borough commission to inspect its books. In particular, how much it earns by renting its banquet hall.

More than two years ago, West Cape May Volunteer Fire Company withdrew from an all call agreement with neighboring fire companies that would allow all neighboring fire departments to respond to a fire in West Cape May.
West Cape May Volunteer Fire Company Chief Chuck McPherson told the Herald an all call agreement was not a requirement from the state or federal government but something that had been devised among local fire chiefs.

“It didn’t really work,” he said. “What was happening was when the fire whistle went off, instead of having two fire trucks go to the fire, you’ve got everybody on the island going to the fire. It was too chaotic, it needs some tweaking.”
“It’s not something that I would say wouldn’t work, it wasn’t working for us at the time,” continued McPherson.

He said a mutual aid agreement with Cape May, Cape May Point and Town Bank continues in effect.

West Cape May Mayor Pamela Kaithern said the purpose of the all call agreement was “protection of people and property.” She said the volunteer fire company will respond to all calls in other towns, but did not want other fire companies responding in West Cape May.
Kaithern said some of West Cape May’s volunteer firefighters work in Lower Township and other areas, which could delay response time to a fire. She said the all call meant the borough would get the quickest response possible.

“In an emergency situation, every minute counts,” said Kaithern.

West Cape May Volunteer Fire Company, is an independent, non-profit organization, not a borough department. It has been in operation more than 87 years, but the borough has never officially recognized it as its official fire company.
Having the fire company designated as “official” would open up grant money for the fire company including Federal Emergency Management Agency funds, said Kaithern.

At McPherson’s request, borough commission postponed passing an ordinance in December 2007 to make the fire company “official.” He said he wanted the fire company’s attorney to examine the ordinance.

At that time, Kaithern said she had examined the ordinance line-by-line and determined the majority of information came from the fire company’s bylaws. She said maintenance of the fire hall has been a continuing problem since the volunteer firefighters had little free time to work on the building.
Since the fire hall is a public building, the borough’s Public Works Department could address maintenance issues, said the mayor last year. Kaithern said the borough covered all aspects of the fire company with insurance, which spurred the need to make the fire company official.

Since then, there have been infrequent discussions between the borough and McPherson. Both sides are represented by attorneys.

“The only stumbling block we’re having is the borough is trying to write an agreement that works as a lease on the building. They are trying to package everything into one, and the fire company wants to be recognized and have a separate lease agreement with the municipality,” said McPherson.

Kaithern said commission agreed to separate the issues into an ordinance, a lease and a memo of understanding. She said the commission was having a problem getting fire company responses.

In 1975, the fire company purchased the land that borough hall and fire hall are built upon.
McPherson said the municipality went to the fire company at that time and set up a deal for the fire company to sign the property over to the borough.
He said the borough had the ability to receive federal money to build a borough hall and a fire hall. The fire company signed the property over to the borough at that time.
McPherson said the deal included the fire hall being deeded back to the volunteer fire company 11 years after the grant was received.

“It was like a match made in heaven,” said McPherson.

After 11 years, the fire chief who made the deal was gone, and the late Mayor Jack Vassar reneged on the deal, said McPherson.

“So the fireman feel they got a bad deal,” said McPherson.

He said the fire company would have given West Cape May the borough hall property and kept the fire hall property.

Kaithern said she has repeatedly asked the fire company to provide a document that shows they were supposed to receive the property back after 11 years.
McPherson said the fire company never had a lease but it has always been an understanding that the fire company owned the fire hall and the borough owned borough hall.

The length of the lease is in contention. McPherson said the fire company wants a longer lease than the one-year term being offered by borough commission, perhaps 99 years.

“We, as the fire company feel, we bought the property, we’ve been here for over 85 years, I don’t want to have a one-year lease,” he said.

Kaithern said the borough has offered a five-year lease with an automatic renewal each year.

The fire company has spent close to $7,000 on legal bills on the matter, said McPherson.

Borough Commissioner Peter Burke, who is also public safety commissioner, said the fire company initially requested 50 parking spaces be reserved at the borough hall complex for firefighters. That request was reduced to 30 spaces.
McPherson said the borough allowed patrons of the farmer’s market, which is held Tuesdays during summer, to park anywhere. He said he believed that issue has been resolved.

An issue that hasn’t been resolved is the borough’s request to examine the finances of the fire company.

“They want to give us a one-year lease and at the end of every year, they want to inspect our book,” said McPherson. “We’re a non profit organization, you don’t go to the church and say we’re not going to renew your tax status if we don’t review your books.
“It’s not going to happen,” he continued. “They have no legal right to do it and we don’t know what that has to do with the lease or recognizing us.”

McPherson said the fire company is not in the fundraising business. The fire hall has a very attractive banquet hall to rent out for events ranging from weddings to club meetings.

“The hall rentals cover what they don’t give us,” said McPherson. “Right now, the municipality gives me about $30,000 a year.”

Kaithern said the 2008 municipal budget provided $60,000 to the volunteer fire company, which does not count additional items such as insurance coverage, high speed Internet access, and utilities. She said the borough has also provided capital items such as fire trucks and other equipment.

“Everyone of my departments, we are cutting (budget) with the exception of the fire company,” said Kaithern.

She said the borough needed to know how much revenue the fire company was working with because it would help the municipality “to be able to plan for their needs.”
Borough Commission turned down a $977 request to install blinds in the fire hall.

The volunteer fire company in its 2008 request for capital improvement funding from the borough asked for $18,000 for three new overhead doors, $170,000 for a new façade on the fire hall, $275,000 for a new roof, $8,000 for a new heating system, and $5,000 for carpet.

If both parties cannot come to an agreement, the borough has the option of seeking fire protection from another town through an interlocal agreement. West Cape May receives its police protection from neighboring Cape May.

“It really wouldn’t be beneficial to the borough since I can operate the entire budget for the fire company on less than the salary of one paid guy,” McPherson told the Herald.
He said he asked the borough for $80,000 last year.

McPherson said the fire company buys hose, gear, and vehicles with money it raises. He said the fire company saves the borough money by its own fundraising.

What would happen to the fire hall and trucks if Cape May took over fire protection? McPherson said the borough owns one fire truck, the other trucks belong to the fire company, which would be sold. The fire company’s bank account, by law, would be given to another non-profit fire company such as Cape May Point, he said.
McPherson said the borough would need to purchase the fire hall from the fire company.

The mayor said she would like to come to an agreement with the fire company.
“We have a common purpose, we have a common need, we’re really here to be working for the taxpayers,” said Kaithern.

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Fri, 12/05/2008 - 12:00pm - Posted by: Anonymous

I hear alot about the problems that hindered Cape May from coming to help us in the Borough and how the system needs "tweaking". Well my question is what are the problems and what tweaking has been done? How can alomost two years go by and our chief cannot find the time to go to the area chiefs and work out these problem.. What could be more important that our safety?

Thu, 12/04/2008 - 4:50pm - Posted by: Anonymous

Whats worse than being a West Cape May firefighter?

Being protected by them!

I don't care who you are, that's funny

Wed, 12/03/2008 - 6:17pm - Posted by: Anonymous

With all the concerned people writing in, the borough meeting Dec. 10th should be interesting. I have faith in the mayor and commssioners.

Tue, 12/02/2008 - 4:14pm - Posted by: Anonymous

I think the main focus is getting lost in the hype. The fact is West Cape May Fire Dept. is denying we the residents and taxpayers of the best possible fire protection. That is the bottom line. Some one should call Jacoby & Myers they may be needed.

Tue, 12/02/2008 - 2:09pm - Posted by: Anonymous

fear not, no such phone call occurs. just more disinformation being spread about in the name of self-preservation/promotion.

Tue, 12/02/2008 - 1:13pm - Posted by: Anonymous

Any delay in response is unacceptable. Why does a personal phone call need to be made before sending out the alarm to everyone else?

Mon, 12/01/2008 - 4:00pm - Posted by: Anonymous

We are HUMAN BEINGS, we desereve no less!!!!!!!!

Mon, 12/01/2008 - 9:46am - Posted by: Anonymous

a response to 11/30/2008 3:40pm - You must be speaking for members of the West Cape May VFC when you say West Cape May does not want, I live in West Cape May and I DO WANT the quickest possible response to a fire if it occurs at my home, period. If that response comes from the Cape May FD or any other of the companies in proximity, so be it. You talk about getting someone killed or injured, how about the lives of our residents in the event that there is a fire at their property. Every second counts, recently a 55 yesr old women died from smoke inhalation and soot in a fire at her home in Woodbury. A police officer who arrived on that scene first attempted to use a ladder to rescue the residents from a second story window, both he and her husband crashed to the ground when the ladder gave out. Both were injured and her husband, a doctor, is in serious condition. My point is, residents and police personnel are all put at risk when the response to a fire is not the quickest possible. There are plenty of residents in West Cape May who would ask for no less.

Sun, 11/30/2008 - 4:40pm - Posted by: Anonymous

With all the inside information the last person knows, they must know or be related to someone that works for the Cape May FD.
let me make it real simple, West Cape May does not want Cape May there first. plain and simple. Your kind of thinking will get someone injured or killed.

Sun, 11/30/2008 - 4:17pm - Posted by: Anonymous

In response to 11/30 @ 1224pm. Mind sets such as this are very much to blame for this situation. Rather than blame or find fault with Cape May I think you should look into getting some formal up to date fire training( above and beyond your grandfathered fire one cert.). 4 engines and 2 ladders are a standard that every(competent) fire dept. in the country wishes to provide, not only to provide ample equipment to the scene, but also for the safety of the firefighters on scene. The more manpower available, the faster and safer tasks get accomplished such as ventilation( that's a systematic procedure used to remove heat and smoke) so interior operations such as search & suppression can be accomplished, that's right interior no more booster lines in the windows from the outside, the safer the working environment. Furhtermore the better chance of survival for anyone that maybe trapped in the building. Why would you stage a first due piece of equipment?????? Just so the home town boys arrive first????? I guess Cape May Point can get there first but the "ahem professionals, EMS guys can't. I guess it wouldn't be fair unless there was a level playing field from the start. And you say personalities are the problem ( refer to second sentence if you are confused) I don't understand how joint responses work all around , but it is just too much for WCM. I think the residents of the communities where this works should be thankful for having too much too soon and also having the Chief officers that are capable of handling it. You must be truly blessed. As for dispatching procedures I'm sure the CMPD has a supervisor of dispatching to take this matter up with. The Herald rant & rage is not the place for that. Although that 15 second jump CM gets could be why they arrive so fast. I think each time there are postings like this one (11/30 @ 1224PM)the problem justs jumps out at you. People keep in mind the sole pupose is to provide the best possible protection for our friends and neighbors. It amazes me how some self appointed fire experts can dispute that.

Sun, 11/30/2008 - 1:24pm - Posted by: Anonymous

What I don't think many people realize is that there are a lot of personalities involved here and that is mostly the problem. First, there is a delay in dispatching WCMFD while the dispatcher gives Cape May FD a phone call to tell them there is an alarm. Second, it is not always a benefit to have 4 engines and 2 ladders converge on the scene at one time. Maybe the uinits could respond to a staging area prior to committing to the scene. In addition, Cape May does not always have a full crew in the firehouse. Quite frequently, especially in the summer, most of the paid guys are manning the 2 ambulances and are committed to EMS calls. What you're left with is a driver and a bunch of volunteer firefighters responding to the scene in their vehicles. Rather then get caught up in sensationalism created by the article, take the time to get to know some of the facts...

Sun, 11/30/2008 - 1:00pm - Posted by: Anonymous

To the West Cape May Volunteer Fire Company and Cheif McPherson,
You, the men and women of the fire company have been dedicated for many many years. You have served the community with professionalism and dedication, when others run away. You, as Chief and your fellow firefighters DO NOT have to hang your heads down because of all the negative remarks. Most are from jealous firefighters or UN-INFORMED citizens that have no idea what you and your department go though to provide GREAT services to them. When did someone die or get hurt because of the delay or lack of response to an incident in WCM? People must understand that if the citizens of West Cape May were in danger due to the lack of or delay response from the fire company, Chief McPherson and the firefighters would do what is right.

Sat, 11/29/2008 - 11:19pm - Posted by: Anonymous

11/29 12:44pm I bet your on that ship full of holes sinking in WCMVFD!!

Sat, 11/29/2008 - 9:53pm - Posted by: Anonymous

11-29-2008 @ 11:44, he my friends is the exact reason WCMVFD needs to be replaced with a group of professionals. This tart has the audacity to cut down every larger Fire group and the one paid. He is the mold of the Fireman that wants to have his fire all to himself so he can go home and brag to his wife and peers as to how great he is. Dont know any of them but thats probably a blessing. The 3rd smallest municipality with the largest group of wanna bes it would seem. Sir may I be the first to say you are a loser !!

Sat, 11/29/2008 - 5:58pm - Posted by: Anonymous

Mayor Kaithern and Commiisioners can not be faulted for trying to work out an ongoing agreement with local volunteers, even though the local volunteers have been less willing to work things out with either the borough or the other fire personnel this side of the canal. However, patience should only go so far. You mean to tell me that only the firefighters out of the West Cape May volunteer fire company recognize and understand a serioulsy dangerous situation; not the Coast Guard, not Cape May, not Cape May Point or any of the three Lower Township companies. Why do all these firefighters seem to manage to work together for the good of the residents in their communities and wcm's. It is time to move forward or move on.

Sat, 11/29/2008 - 5:05pm - Posted by: Anonymous

My family has called West Cape May home for nearly a century. Through three generations, we have seen the ups and downs of the Borough first hand. While this may not make me an expert of the fire service, it does allow me to speak about the direction of my community. Like any taxpayer, I expect my elected officials will distribute my tax contributions in an intelligent and sensible way. Occasionally, they are forced to make tough decisions that may alienate some of their constituents, but only in order to maintain the safety and security of the community. Years ago, in an effort to streamline police and emergency medical services economically and operationally, we began sharing with our neighbor. I may have been reluctant to that approach at the time, but as everyone can now see, it was a very prudent move to make. The Borough unknowingly became a pioneer in a state where services are redundant and costly. Let us continue to lead the way. Our identity will not be jeopardized because the fire truck that arrives quickly, with qualified personnel, says Cape May on the side. I implore our current commission to make the right decision, however tough it may appear, so that our money will provide the highest level of protection available.

Sat, 11/29/2008 - 4:16pm - Posted by: Anonymous

As a longtime resident and taxpayer I would hope that the mayor and commissioners plan to address this issue as a very high priority. I would certainly hope phones are ringing and meetings are being planned first thing monday (12-1) morning. This is not an issue that can be swept under the carpet and ingnored anylonger, why it has went almost two years is mind boggiling. That is a awful big gamble to take when our neighbors lives could be at stake. I can't believe anyone would want to accept that liability or have to try to defend the logic that too much fire equipment responding to an emergency was a safety factor. I do not have any formal fire training but would imagine that when there is a fire the more the merrier would apply. I pray this gets resolved before it too late.

Sat, 11/29/2008 - 1:44pm - Posted by: Anonymous

GO BACK TO NORTH JERSEY AND STAY THERE 12:04 . THIS IS ALL ABOUT THE FIRE CHIEF NOT WANTING TO SHOW BOOKS TO A TOWNSHIP OFFICIAL WHO MOST LIKELY
WANTS TO CUT THIER BUDGET. AND IT'S NOT JUST THE CHIEF, I'M SURE THEY HAVE AN EXECUTIVE BOARD COMPRISED OF A PRESIDENT, VICE-PRESIDENT, SECRETARY, AND....WAIT FOR IT..............A TREASURER ! THE EXEC BOARD RUNS THAT END OF THE FIREHOUSE NOT THE CHIEF.
AS FOR THE MUTUAL AIDE OR "ALL CALL" FOR STRUCTURE FIRES I AGREE WITH THE CHIEF. AS CAPE MAY IS A PAID "AHEM PROFESSIONAL" DEPT. MAN POWER IS THERE FOR THE BECK AND CALL IF NEEDED AND NOT THAT FAR BEHIND IF NEEDED FOR A CONFIRMED STRUCTURE FIRE.
AS FOR SLOWER TWP. YOU HAVE 3 VOLLY COMPANYS , SAY 30 GUYS A COMPANY 90 PEOPLE ALL RACING AROUND THIER TOWNSHIP WITH THIER NIFTY BLUE LIGHTS TO GET TO THE FIREHOUSE. THAT I MUST SAY IS A HUGE LIABILITY AND SAFETY HAZZARD. AS SOME OF THEM RIDE WITH THIER CHOKE WIDE OPEN AND DISREGARD TRAFFIC SAFETY AND LAWS.

Sat, 11/29/2008 - 12:31pm - Posted by: Anonymous

In response to Fri, 11/28/2008 - 12:04pm, sounds like you’re trying to make a job for yourself after you retire. What’s the matter, not good enough to find a retirement job in North Jersey.

Fri, 11/28/2008 - 1:04pm - Posted by: Anonymous

I am a career fire fighter from North Jersey and spend much of my off time in West Cape May and I have a few questions. First, if the WCM fire company won’t allow the Mayor and commissioners to view their books, what else are they hiding? It sounds like the Chief is running a pretty shabby operation. With all the lawsuits these days how Mayor Kaithern can allow this operation to continue is beyond me. My second question, how compliant with state and national standards is the WCMVFD? Do they meet NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) standards? Do they have SOP (standard Operating Procedures)? Do they have a Respiratory Protection Program? Do they do Fit Testing? How about driver training? Medical exams from members, safety and survival training, Mayday training? How about their equipment, trucks, SCBA, ladders have they all been tested and certified this year? Believe me this is just the tip of the iceberg. I hope and pray know one ever gets hurt or worse in West Cape May cause you will have the State and OSHA knocking at your door. Their gonna go through that FD with a fine toothed comb and it’s gonna be ugly. And Chief remember this, there are Chiefs sitting in jail right now because someone got hurt or killed because they did run their departments up standards. GOOD LUCK!!!

Thu, 11/27/2008 - 6:12pm - Posted by: Anonymous

In the spirit of giving thanks, our fine residents should be thankful no one has been seriously hurt or worse.

Thu, 11/27/2008 - 5:54pm - Posted by: Anonymous

Keep their own identity? Are you kidding me? This article states very clearly, what the identity of the West Cape May VFD is. A department that will not allow the people that give them their money to see how they spend it. A department that is being run by a grossly incompetent chief that is more interested in seeing that his firefighters get credit for putting out the fire than for allowing an automatic aid agreement that will save lives. It is clear that he is not able to run a fire ground by the fact that he states he is not able to control more than two incoming fire units. We have been told many times by the state that there are benefits and grants available to towns that regionalize; it is also recognized on a federal level. I do not know a thing about how Cape May or Cape May Point operates, but it is very clear how the West Cape May VFD does not.
It also seems from reading this article that the mayor has known about these issues, but she does not have the guts to approach it. “Kaithern said some of West Cape May’s volunteer firefighters work in Lower Township and other areas, which could delay response time to a fire. She said the all call meant the borough would get the quickest response possible.” She states this, yet she has done nothing to protect the citizens that have elected her. She has instead spent her time trying to bring a liquor license to town, rather than bring quality fire protection to her town.
Further in the article the Chief states that the borough gives the fire department only $30,000 a year but the mayor says it is $60,000. Who is lying here? I would find it hard to believe that someone is making a $30,000 mistake when the budget is reported at only $30,000. I would also have to wonder, if the borough does not officially recognize the department how do they even legally get a budget. I would have to think that not being a legitimate department of the borough would mean that there would have to be competive bidding for fire protection and some type of contract, none of which were mentioned in this article.
Could you imagine if DeMarzo were to come over from Wildwood to see this? The State A.G. and County Prosecutors would have a field day. Maybe next time elections come about the town should elect someone that has a set, I mean that literally.

Thu, 11/27/2008 - 1:16pm - Posted by: Anonymous

I understand the City of Cape May Fire Dept undergoes intensified training for both its paid and volunteer firefighters. The CM Fire Dept has asked WCM Fire Dept and CM Point Fire Dept to join in with the training so they can become one large, unified group of people trained to fight fires. However, WCM Fire Dept and CM Point Fire Dept do not send members to these training courses. The question, WHY NOT???
The Departments should train together as one large trained unit, working together, yet keet their identify as their own fire departments. It is time to throw the good ole boys mentality out the back door and look at training and response time.
There are some fine, new firefighters in both of these departments that are anxious to be trained.

Wed, 11/26/2008 - 7:34pm - Posted by: Anonymous

As for Wed, 11/26/2008 - 5:17pm, Lower Twp. ie Townbank Fd, Erma Fd, and Villas Fd are at least 4.2 miles away. They are also vol. fire companies. So using a rough equation of 5-8 mins to get a truck on the road, and the 4.2 miles at 45 mph= Cape May Fire better response time. Lets get real people, I'm not saying we dont need vol. companies. Im just saying don't make excuses for life safety.

Wed, 11/26/2008 - 7:02pm - Posted by: Anonymous

Someone needs to go out and watch these fire companies respond to fires out of there own towns they are going to kill someone

Wed, 11/26/2008 - 6:17pm - Posted by: Anonymous

Everyone thinks Cape May Fire is going to save the day. Remember people their first priority is EMS. If the ambulances are gone so is the staffing. I think the all call system should involve lower twp. it seems they have a system that works.

Wed, 11/26/2008 - 5:26pm - Posted by: Anonymous

In this day of regionalization it just makes sense to combine the WCM fire company with the Cape May fire company. Cape May already provides police and ambulance service, and if they can provide a better fire service, I’m all for it. Pam, shut them down before someone gets hurt or worse.

Wed, 11/26/2008 - 5:11pm - Posted by: Anonymous

How about this gets made really easy on the residents and visitors of WCM. 2 minute response or 15 minute response. Remember we pay for the Ambulance from Cape May why not the Paid Fire Services also. The station is not even a quarter mile away from the current one. A change is needed and it needs to happen soon before a tradgedy occurs.

Wed, 11/26/2008 - 4:24pm - Posted by: Anonymous

If the Fire Co. started operation 87 years ago, how do they have a Fire Co. bell from 1904???????..

Wed, 11/26/2008 - 3:44pm - Posted by: Anonymous

Mayor Kaithern and Commissioner Burke after this incredible outcry of concern, I think the Borough's Public Saftey should the number 1 priority. Start know don't let someone die. PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wed, 11/26/2008 - 3:07pm - Posted by: Anonymous

Truth be known this all blew open at a dryer fire one day. Cape May showed up first had the fire out and WCM was none to happy. Do you think the owner cared who put the fire out?

I know I wouldn't. PROTECTING THE CITIZENS OF WCM IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUE HERE.

Pam keep on this and do what is best for protecting the citizens of WCM.

Wed, 11/26/2008 - 1:18pm - Posted by: Anonymous

This should not be about McPherson, It should be about the whole company.

Wed, 11/26/2008 - 1:17pm - Posted by: Anonymous

They have no busniess calling their self a fire company

Wed, 11/26/2008 - 12:17pm - Posted by: Anonymous

From what I have read, it appears the the West Cape May Fire Company has a leadership problem. I am confident that the fire fighters are dedicated, brave and well trained young men and women. Most of the fire company members are not residents of West Cape May and do not have the same commitment to the community. The management level of the fire company is where I would focus attention. Operational and legislative requirements are very different today than in 1904, a fact that the Chief and hos management team appear to have missed. A good leader recognizes the challenge and works to find the best alternative and still continue good working relationship with the governing body. The WCM VFC seems to think that avoidance is the best course of action. At the end of the day public safety is the main loser!

Wed, 11/26/2008 - 11:40am - Posted by: Anonymous

It is interesting that Chief McPherson would reference the seperation of church and state when stating that they are independant and have no obligation or responsibilty to share their financial information with the borough even when they ask to accept public money from the borough to operate. When a church in a community accepts government aid to operate, I would expect that they would be glad to open their books- let's keep in mind that it has been reported very recently, in our greater community, that a local church's finances were compromised by a person in trust and charges have been brought by the police for those improprieties. Other descrepancies listed in this article include:
1)ownership of the building- a lease with the borough is mentioned as part of the ongoing negotiations and at the same time a claim that the borough would have to purchase the building from the fire company- why a lease if the building belongs to the fire co.
2)all call and mutual aid- why, if the ALL CALL poses a safety issue on our streets, would the West Cape May volunteer fire co. respond outside the borough on calls if having too many trucks on the road causes a safety concern, shouldn't they wait until they get a direct invitation to respond similar to what they have set up for their brethren in Cape May Point, Cape May and the Coast Guard- also, why would Lower Twnshps volunteer fire co.s institute their own ALL CALL, fashioned after the existing one here, if there is a problem with safety.
3)fundraising- do they or don't they?
4)what are the correct figures as to how much support the fire co. receives from the borough? my quess is that the borough's books are open and available for review

Wed, 11/26/2008 - 10:47am - Posted by: Anonymous

Getting enough staffing and equipment on the scene to handle a fire emergency is most critical within the first 10 minutes of a fire. It’s within those first 10 minutes where good decision making by the officers as well has having enough FF's and equipment on scene, is going to greatly affect the outcome of the incident, both good and bad. Chief, you can’t argue the safety factor it has on your FF's with having enough staffing and equipment on the scene ASAP. For you to state “It’s too much too soon” says a lot about your “good old boy” mentality when it comes to the fire service. The “let’s wait and see what we got" just doesn’t cut it anymore, by then its too late, if it’s a good working fire. By the time you decide you need mutual aid, and the volunteers respond from home, you’re looking at, at least 15 minutes or more depending on the distance. That’s just too much time when you have a staffed engine from Cape May that can be anywhere in West Cape May in a matter of minutes. God forbid if there is a legit rescue that needs to be made and your FF's have to go in and make a rescue with no back up on the way. It’s not fair to the residences of West Cape May or you’re FFs.
In this age of lawyers and lawsuits, the Commissioners and Chief McPherson should be thinking on the side of public safety…

Wed, 11/26/2008 - 10:25am - Posted by: Anonymous

After reading the articles and comments on this story, I feel that the most important thing is the protection of the citizens and property in West Cape May. Being a volunteer friefighter myslef, I understand the cheif of WCM in not wanting the all-call with more work to it, as an all-call to the scene of a fire can create great confusion. I doubt it's that WCMFD doesn't want the help of excellent organizations such as Cape May City, Town Bank, and other fire departments in the area, it's that they want a scene to be in clear command and the incident to be resolved as quickly as possible. The proper way to use other fire companies would be to call the companies as they are needed at the scene, allowing them to be efficeintly position for the best line of attack.

Wed, 11/26/2008 - 9:41am - Posted by: Anonymous

I can remember several years ago I heard at a borough meeting the fire company wanted to start a fire district. Never heard another word about it. The fire company continues to drop the ball. Peter Burke is in charge of public safety. If something happens, you all will be in court. IT'S TIME FOR CHANGE!

Wed, 11/26/2008 - 8:11am - Posted by: Anonymous

It is ridiculous in this day and age for a fire company to be a department within a town. The Chief should immediately initiate proceedings with the state to be designated an independent Fire Commission, which would allow them to apply for their own grants and have their own budget.

Wed, 11/26/2008 - 7:40am - Posted by: Anonymous

I live in West Cape May and I have a booth at the farmers market and heard the fire siren activate. After ten or fifteen minutes I saw three or four cars show up and the truck left . To me this seems too long. I think Pam should remember she is responsible for fire protection more than the Chief, who after his comments, should be removed before someone gets hurt (this is not 1970 Chief McPherson), and should not let this go another day. WE DESERVE BETTER!!!!! I wiil attend the next borough meeting with my neighbors to voice our opinion.

Tue, 11/25/2008 - 11:33pm - Posted by: Anonymous

No Turn on Red:-)

Tue, 11/25/2008 - 11:29pm - Posted by: Anonymous

Well this tid bit of information tells me alot about why the Chief of the fire company was using the Chief fire truck for all his personal business all summer without hinderance. He was travelling back and fourth to a business he opened in the Villas 3, 4 and sometimes more per day. I had seen it in Cape May Court House many times also. At a time when we were all paying high gas prices he was using "donated" money. I for one will never drop another dime in their bucket now that it is clear he is using our generosity to his benefit. And this may explain why he wont open the books. The powers to be should enter into an agreement with townbank. Then even with his twisted math it will clearly be cheaper for the Boro. to let this farce go. And once the bldg. is owned maybe in a few years they can start over and have some accountabilty with a fresh group.

Tue, 11/25/2008 - 9:55pm - Posted by: Anonymous

To the WCM residents, here is right to the point….How can something be “smoldering” for more then a year, before there are any questions raised? McPherson states the fire company has been in service for 87 years. I would have thought that after 87 years something this simple would have been fixed. It states in the article that the fire company refuses to turn over their “books” when all non profit and government organizations documentation are public information. What are they hiding? I thought we pay fire taxes. Don’t we deserve to know where the money goes? Which brings my next question, why 50 parking spots? Is it for the firefighters they don’t have, or for the banquet hall that they don’t make money on? McPherson said “the borough owns one fire truck. The other trucks belong to the fire company, which would be sold. The fire company’s bank account, by law, would be given to another non-profit fire company…” what does that solve? Although I do agree the firehouse is an eye sore and it does need an upgrade, the commissioners should focus their efforts in to public protection. It is well known West Cape May discontinued the “all call” agreement for the entire island because “there was too much too soon.” It sounds like they need to utilize there money else were like training for too much too soon. How can a volunteer fire company turn away free help from the other surrounding agencies especially when one department is paid and is guarantied to show up. If I was a West Cape May resident I would not be concerned about the books or the budget, I would try to focus my efforts on pleading with Cape May City to take over the fire protection. We deserve better.

Tue, 11/25/2008 - 9:15pm - Posted by: Anonymous

I'm sure there will be alot of opinions about this article, but anyone who has dealt with this "fire company" knows what the facts are. THEY HAVE NO BUISNESS BEING A FIRE DEPARTMENT. No training, no worthwhile equipment and NO FIREFIGHTERS. I understand loyalty to home town people, but they are putting everyone at risk. The citizens, the visitors and worse yet, their own members. After someone loses thier house, or worse yet their life, what then? "keep up the good work you volunteer firemen" won't console someone who just lost everything. It's actually been a miracle this tragedy hasn't happened yet. It's not about politics or politicians, it's not even about the books or money (though not disclosing your books when asking for a half-mil is a bit odd) it is all about saving lives and property. Quite frankly, the WCMVFC can not accomplish this task operating the way they do. I hope whoever makes the decision to fix this problem does it quickly. To the one defender of the group: you're right, bury your egos, maybe then the people of West Cape May won't be living on borrowed time anymore.

Tue, 11/25/2008 - 8:59pm - Posted by: Anonymous

It seems obvious that it is time for an overhaul of Fire Protection services in WCM, or the lack there of.

Tue, 11/25/2008 - 8:43pm - Posted by: Anonymous

Stick to your guns Chief. You are the fireman not them. Remember what they did to our Police Department? Don't give in like what happened to them. We had a great group of Officers with some exceptions of course back then only to be tossed aside for all their service.

Tue, 11/25/2008 - 8:17pm - Posted by: Anonymous

Is this a stand-off? Has the Chief met with the commissioners to discuss this issue?

It didn't take a year for the UN to decide on seating at the Korean peace talks!

Tue, 11/25/2008 - 8:02pm - Posted by: Anonymous

It is about time this issue is resolved. The Borough of WCM needs a company they can work with and depend on to put public safety first!

Tue, 11/25/2008 - 7:59pm - Posted by: Anonymous

As I read this article fear to the point of panic grip me. While the West Cape May Fire Company and the borough of West Cape May haggle over who owns what and who pays for what and how many places one can park, the public safety of the residents of WCMN remains in limbo. For almost two years the WCMFC has not participated in an all call agreement with neighboring fire companies, because to quote Chief McPherson “…it wasn’t working for us that time.” He further states, “What was happening was when the fire whistle went off, instead of two fire trucks going to the fire, you got everybody on the island going.” “It was too chaotic, it needs some tweaking.” How chaotic can thing get on an island that is less than 2 square miles? If the system needed”tweaking” why has it not been tweaked in two years? Is this a traffic jam or a personality conflict? Why has the borough governing body continued to do business with a company that doses not appear to put public safety first? If the WCM fire company believes they own the fire hall, though they cannot producer a documented proof of said ownership, why are they requesting close to half a million dollars from the borough to provide capital improvement to the building? At one point Chief McPherson states the fire company is not in the fund raising business, but they continue to raise fund thorough resident solicitation, street collections and events at the banquet hall? What do they do with this money? The WCM budget, which is available to the public list $40,000 as aid to the Fire Company and $20,000 miscellaneous fire company expense. Plus the borough pays the insurance for the fire company. That makes the total well over $60,000 in 2008.
Mayor Kaithern should be applauded for her tenacity and patience in attempting to carve out an agreement with the fire company.
There should be only one common purpose, the safety of the residents of WCM. Hopefully both parties will resolve this very quickly. WCM Resident

Tue, 11/25/2008 - 7:29pm - Posted by: Anonymous

What do they have to hide from the Borough? Is someone keeping money raised for their own profits? This should be public record if the fire company gets any funds generated from the public. My real estate taxes pay a chunk to my fire district for protection. I am in Lower but I am closer to Cape May fire dept than the one which serves my area south of the canal. This sounds like a stand off that needs mediation and not legal wrangling that costs both entities a lot of $$$.

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