High Point Volunteer Fire Company

06/08/2026

It is with profound sadness that the members of the Beach Haven Volunteer Fire Company #1, announce the passing of Life Member - Firefighter Michael Leonard.

Mike joined our organization in 1994 and dedicated more than three decades of service to the residents and visitors of Beach Haven. Throughout his years of membership, he served on numerous committees, held the position of Vice President, and answered countless structure fires, emergency incidents, and calls for service whenever his community needed him.

Beyond his commitment to the fire service, Mike was known for his generous spirit, sense of humor, and unwavering willingness to help others. He loved to have fun, could always be counted on to lend a hand, and embodied the true meaning of brotherhood. His friendship, dedication, and service left a lasting impact on our organization and all those who had the privilege of knowing him.

Mike was more than a firefighter—he was a brother. His legacy of service, camaraderie, and commitment to others will never be forgotten.

On behalf of the officers and members of the Beach Haven Volunteer Fire Company #1, we extend our deepest condolences to the Leonard family and all who mourn his loss. We ask that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Rest easy, Brother.
We have the watch from here.

06/02/2026

The Ship Bottom Police Department honors the career of Retired Sergeant Edward Ripoli #251. Sgt. Ripoli served the Borough of Ship Bottom from 1978 until his retirement in 2005. We pray for the Ripoli family and friends. Rest in Peace, Sarge.

05/15/2026

05/09/2026

Expired boat flares? Don’t store them—dispose of them safely 🚤🔥

Ocean County’s Boat Flare Disposal Program is back for 2026:
📅 June 17 | August 19 | October 21
📍 Ocean County Fire Academy, Waretown

In the past 3 years, residents have helped us collect 5,150+ flares, keeping hazardous materials out of the waste stream and protecting Barnegat Bay and our coastal communities.

✔️ Registration required
✔️ Open to Ocean County residents
✔️ Max 10 flares per person

Small actions like proper disposal make a big difference for our waterways and wildlife.

👉 Register here: https://www.co.ocean.nj.us/OC/SolidWaste/frmBoatFlareDisposal.aspx

05/08/2026

Harvey Cedars Beach Patrol – 2026 Lifeguard Tryouts

Tryout dates:
• Sunday, May 24, 2026
• Sunday, May 31, 2026

Meet at Sunset Park at 12:00 PM. All employees must have their paperwork completed prior to the swim test. If you cannot attend either date, you may schedule a make-up by contacting the Lifeguard Chief at 609-709-0561.

Employee policy review, CPR, and First Aid courses will take place after the swim test at Borough Hall on both dates. All new and returning guards must attend.

Lifeguard employment forms:
New lifeguards must complete:
• New Lifeguard Employment Application
• Working Permit (required for guards under 18)
Returning lifeguards must complete:
• Returning Lifeguard Application
• Working Permit (required for guards under 18)

Applications can be dropped off at Borough Hall or mailed to:
Harvey Cedars Beach Patrol
PO Box 3185
Harvey Cedars, NJ 08008

05/08/2026

Today, we take a moment to remember Harvey Cedars Police Officer Angelo Vasile, who proudly served the Borough of Harvey Cedars for many years.
We honor his dedication, service, and commitment to our community.
Officer Vasile will never be forgotten. EOW 5/8/2010 🖤💙

03/26/2026

We’re running out of people.

This isn’t a problem unique to one town or one firehouse. It’s happening everywhere.

Across our communities, the number of people willing and able to volunteer is shrinking. At the same time, the calls are not slowing down. If anything, they’re increasing. More emergencies. More need. Fewer people stepping forward to meet it.

Inside the firehouse, that reality is already here, and being felt in real ways.

The same names keep showing up. The same group of people answering calls again and again. The list isn’t getting longer. The workload isn’t getting lighter. The workforce isn't getting younger. We’re relying on neighboring departments to fill the gaps, and they’re relying on us to help them more than ever.

This isn’t about the future anymore. This is happening right now.

I won’t sugarcoat it. Joining a volunteer fire department isn't easy, and it takes time. The initial training is demanding. It will interrupt your routine. There will be nights when it’s inconvenient, when it would be easier to stay home, when you question whether you can keep up.

That part is real. But it’s also temporary.

What’s on the other side of that effort is something most people will never experience. You learn how to stay calm when others can’t. You learn how to step into situations people naturally avoid and actually be useful. You gain real skills you use on calls, at home, and in everyday life. And you become part of a group that shows up for their neighbors when they need it most.

It’s rewarding. It’s satisfying. And it makes a difference in your life, and in your community. It changes how you see yourself.

This isn’t about being a certain type of person. It’s not about being the strongest or the fastest. It’s not about having experience or knowing exactly what to do on day one. There are roles for all kinds of people; on the fireground, in EMS, and behind the scenes.

What matters is the willingness to step forward and learn. Men and women. Young adults. Parents. People with full-time jobs and other commitments. People who have thought about it before but never took the first step. You don’t need to be ready for the worst right now. You just need to be willing to start.

Because here’s the truth: The calls will keep coming. They always do. It might be your house. It might be your neighbor. The only question is who will be there to answer them. Will it be you?

If this made you stop for even a second, don’t overthink it. Stop by your local firehouse. Message them. Talk to someone. Sit in on a drill. Ask questions. No pressure. No commitment. Just come see what it’s really about.

Because the hardest part isn’t the training. It’s walking through the door for the first time.

- Captain Cummings (Copied and pasted)

02/15/2026

02/08/2026

A good reminder, if you see something, say something. Last night a member of our community, heard their neighbors (vacant) house, fire alarm going off. The alarm activation was the result of an interior natural gas leak on the 2nd level of the residence. Crews and NJNG were able to safely resolve the issue. An undiscovered gas leak can and likely will, result in a serious fire or large explosion. The community member who decided to call 911 after hearing the alarm, potentially saved our community from a catastrophic event. If you see something, say something. Especially this time of year as many houses are vacant for the winter. Let’s continue to look out for each other and our neighbors. Thank you.

02/08/2026

Ladder 5105 and Engine 5101 responded mutual aid to this structure fire in High Bar Harbor late Friday night and assisted with fire suppression and overhaul