What to Know
- Three Sea Isle City fire officials have resigned in the wake of a state-led investigation.
- NJ's Division of Fire Safety started looking at the volunteer fire department after a number of large fires and an anonymous complaint.
- The former fire chief spoke to NBC10.
Three fire officials in a Jersey Shore resort community have resigned in the wake of a state-led investigation.
The state's Division of Fire Safety recently started looking at the volunteer fire department in Sea Isle City after a number of large fires and an anonymous complaint.
Officials say the probe found Fire Chief Frank Edwardi, Sr. and his two assistant chiefs lacked the proper certifications for "incident command." They were replaced by three people who have proper certifications.
"For us to go out this way without even a pat on the back is a terrible thing," Edwardi, Sr. said.
Edwardi, Sr. told NBC10 he believes he and his assistant chiefs had completed the necessary training.
"I think it was the city that was supposed to register with the state but evidently somewhere along the line it never happened," he said.
City officials also said a review revealed many members lacked updated paperwork but they've since become properly certified.
Local
The move comes as many Sea Isle City residents continue to push for full-time firefighters and have voiced concerns over response times.
"I agree with people in this town," Edwardi, Sr. said. "Time for a paid company."
Kathy Brennan, whose home was damaged by a nearby car fire, told NBC10 she doesn't blame the firefighters. She, along with other residents, have expressed concerns about how long it takes for firefighters to respond, however.
"The houses are getting bigger," she said. "It's getting more crowded. You need to do something or this is going to keep happening."
Edwardi, Sr. told NBC10 his failing health had kept him from responding to fire calls since October. He said he tried to resign as chief on his own terms in November but was asked by city leaders to stay on in name only.
"I'm just sorry it all has to end up this way," he said.
In a statement, the city said the recent fires had nothing to do with the fire department's certification process and at no time was there a threat to public safety while that process was taking place.
Read their full statement below.
