You’re driving down Broad Street or maybe cutting across Franklin, and you hear that specific, chest-rattling wail of a siren. Most people just pull over, wait for the red trucks to pass, and go back to thinking about what they’re getting for dinner. But honestly, the Bloomfield NJ fire dept is a lot more complex than just a bunch of people putting out fires. It’s actually one of the most highly-rated departments in the country, and most residents have no clue why that matters for their insurance premiums or their safety.
Basically, if you live in Bloomfield, you’ve got a Class 2 ISO-rated department protecting you. That’s a big deal. The ISO (Insurance Services Office) ranks about 50,000 departments nationwide on a scale of 1 to 10. Being a Class 2 puts Bloomfield in the top 2% of fire services in the United States. It isn't just a trophy on a shelf; it literally affects how much you pay for home insurance.
The Time Newark Told Bloomfield to Figure It Out
The whole reason the department exists is because a guy from Newark got fed up. Back in the winter of 1882, a bunch of fires were wrecking homes in Bloomfield, and insurance rates were skyrocketing because the town didn't have its own crew. They had to wait for Newark firefighters to clatter up the road on horses. Usually, by the time the horses arrived, the building was a pile of ash.
The breaking point was the John Archdeacon’s Hotel fire at the corner of Broad and Washington. The Newark Chief, David Benedict, showed up, saw the building crumbling, and reportedly stood on a pile of rubble to tell the crowd he wasn't coming back until they started helping themselves. That "tough love" worked. On June 27, 1883, the Bloomfield Fire Association was born.
Who’s Running the Show in 2026?
Right now, Fire Chief Louis Venezia leads the department. You’ve probably seen him at council meetings or community events. He’s been big on pushing for better tech and policy management. In fact, in April 2025, the department snagged a Gold Award from Lexipol for their excellence in training and policy.
They aren't just guys with hoses anymore.
The department operates with a suppression force of about 84 personnel. It’s organized into four shifts, each led by a Deputy Chief, providing 24-hour coverage. These shifts aren't just sitting around playing cards; they’re trained in everything from hazardous materials to "live burns" conducted at facilities like the Middlesex County Fire Training Center.
Where the Stations Are Tucked Away
Bloomfield is a dense town, so they have to spread the wealth to keep response times low. You'll find the stations at:
- Station 1 (Headquarters): 375 Franklin Street. This is where the administrative action happens, including the Fire Prevention Bureau.
- Station 2: 90 Watsessing Avenue.
- Station 3: 124 East Passaic Avenue.
- Station 4: 1233 Broad Street.
Each of these houses engines that carry their own water supply. That's a huge tactical advantage. They don't have to wait to find a hydrant to start the "rapid attack." They just pull up and start spraying while another team hooks up the five-inch high-flow lines.
More Than Just Fire: The EMS and Rescue Factor
Think the Bloomfield NJ fire dept only does fires? Think again. A massive chunk of their calls are medical or specialized rescues. They carry the "Jaws of Life" on Truck 1 and Engine 3, but they also handle water rescues and even trench collapses.
They also run the "Jack" Flaherty Fire Prevention Bureau. Named after a former chief who basically invented fire prevention standards in New Jersey, this bureau handles the annoying (but necessary) stuff like smoke detector inspections and commercial fire codes.
They’re surprisingly active in the community too.
Have you heard of the "Aluminum Cans for Burned Children" program? Residents drop off cans at the stations, the department recycles them, and the cash goes straight to the Saint Barnabas Burn Center. It’s a simple system that has raised thousands over the years.
💡 You might also like: Florida Man January 23: Why This Specific Date Always Goes Off the Rails
How to Actually Get Into the Department
If you're thinking about joining, don't just show up and ask for a helmet. It’s a paid department, which means it’s governed by the New Jersey Department of Personnel.
You have to take a state test that only happens every two years. If you score high enough, you get on "the list." When a spot opens up, they call the people at the top. It’s competitive. It's tough. And since 2024, they’ve been leaning even harder into military recruitment, winning awards for how they accommodate service members who want to be firefighters.
Practical Steps for Bloomfield Residents
Honestly, most people interact with the fire department when something has already gone wrong. You can avoid that. Here’s what you should actually do:
- Check Your Detectors: If you live in a one or two-family home and you're a senior or someone in need, the department will literally come to your house and install a smoke detector for free. Just call the Fire Prevention Bureau at 973-680-4153.
- Get a Certificate: If you're selling your house, you need a Certificate of Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector Compliance. Don't wait until the week of closing to realize this.
- The "Change Your Clock" Rule: It sounds cliché, but change your detector batteries when the clocks change. Or better yet, get the 10-year sealed battery versions the department recommends.
- Visit the Station: You can actually fill out an application on the Township website to bring a group for a tour. It’s better to see the trucks when they aren't screaming past you at 50 mph.
The Bloomfield NJ fire dept isn't just a municipal department; it’s a high-performing organization that has evolved from a frustrated Newark chief's ultimatum into a top-tier emergency response force. Whether it’s their ISO Class 2 rating or their scholarship programs for Bloomfield High grads, they’re woven into the town’s DNA in ways most of us take for granted.
To ensure your home is fully compliant with local safety codes, contact the Fire Prevention Bureau at 375 Franklin Street to schedule a voluntary safety inspection or to verify your smoke detector requirements. Keep a record of your last inspection date to stay ahead of NJ Uniform Fire Code updates.