Franklin Lakes June 8, 2011 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 3 Emergency services bylaw changes approved by Frank J. McMahon The Franklin Lakes Borough Council has approved amendments to the constitution and bylaws of the Franklin Lakes Fire Department and the Franklin Lakes Ambulance Corps. According to James Webb, president of the Franklin Lakes Fire Department, the borough’s fire department recently modified its constitution to further define the requirements and privileges for “life membership” status in the department. Those who are awarded life membership are welcome at all fire department functions and activities for the rest of their lives, and do not have to pay dues. “The purpose of this modification,” Webb explained, “is to recognize the contributions of those members who have actively served the borough for over 25 years. The modification allows ‘riding’ life members, those who respond to fire calls and attend drills, to receive the annual stipend after reaching a 20 percent average of those responses for the year. At present, we have about 20 members who would be eligible for life status and about six of those members are still riding members. Three of them had the full percentage in 2010 and, if this change (had been) in effect in 2010, three life members would have received a full rather than a partial stipend.” The proposed constitution change for the fire department involves the wording for life membership status. The previous wording awards life membership to members who move away from Franklin Lakes having served a minimum of seven years at a 60 percent average response rate and who have maintained their membership for 20 years. The amended wording awards life membership to a member who obtains an exempt certificate and then continues to demonstrate active interest in the department until completing 25 years of service in the fire department. Prior to awarding a life membership, the trustees of the fire department will review each candidate to ensure the member has demonstrated continued interest in the department. The trustees will make their recommendation, which will be followed by a vote by the membership. Life members will be presented with a 25-year pin to wear on their dress uniforms. Life members will also receive fire department clothing at no charge and will pay the minimum charge for attending the New Jersey State Firemen’s Convention. If a life member complies with all criteria for a current riding member and has obtained a 20 percent average response rate for the fire department year of November through October, that life member will also receive the annual stipend from the borough and will be entitled to vote on all matters in the following year. The updated membership requirements for the Franklin Lakes Volunteer Ambulance Corps will allow members who do not live in the borough but who work there (continued on page 27)