CAMDEN, NJ – February 5, 2026 – The Professional Fire Fighters Association of New Jersey (PFANJ), is heartbroken to share the line of duty death of a longtime member of the Camden Fire Department. This morning, Firefighter Howard Bennett tragically fell through the ice into the Delaware River at the Wiggins Park Marina. Despite the valiant rescue efforts of his fellow brothers and sisters and the medical team at Cooper University Hospital, he succumbed to his injuries.

TRENTON, NJ – January 20, 2026 – In a historic second win for first responder safety this month, the Professional Firefighters Association of New Jersey (PFANJ) have been informed that Governor Phil Murphy has signed a package of bills (A5195/A5223/S3946) into law mandating the phase-out of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), known as "forever chemicals", from firefighting turnout gear and requires manufacturers to provide written notice of their presence in the interim. This signing marks the PFANJ’s second major legislative triumph in less than seven days, following the January 14th enactment of the First Responders PTSD Protection Act. Together, these laws represent a comprehensive "one-two punch" against the two greatest threats to today’s firefighters: occupational cancer and mental health.|

TRENTON, NJ – January 14, 2026 – Monday, the New Jersey State Legislature unanimously passed Assembly Bill No. 2145/Senate Bill No. 2373, formally known as the “New Jersey First Responders Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Protection Act” and today Governor Phil Murphy signed the Act into law. This landmark legislation establishes robust employment protections for paid first responders, including firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, dispatchers, and law enforcement officers, who are diagnosed with work-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This Act ends an era of uncertainty by prohibiting public employers from discharging, harassing, or retaliating against any first responder who takes leave for a qualifying PTSD diagnosis.

TRENTON, NJ – October 15, 2025 – The Professional Firefighters Association of New Jersey (PFANJ), continuing its advocacy for public safety and community well-being, today announced its initial endorsement of candidates running for election in the State Assembly. Spanning both Democrat and Republican parties, these cross-aisle endorsements recognize the candidates’ collaborative and successful efforts in passing critical legislation to significantly improve the lives, health, and working conditions of our state’s first responders.

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP, NJ – October 5, 2025 – The Professional Firefighters Association of New Jersey (PFANJ) and Washington Township Firefighters IAFF Local 4204 are proud to endorse Tony D’Onofrio and Michael Parker for Board of Fire Commissioners in Washington Township.

TRENTON, NJ – September 17, 2025 – After a robust and spirited debate at the most recent meeting of the Professional Firefighters Association of New Jersey (PFANJ), the membership reaffirmed the Executive Board’s recommendation to remain neutral in the 2025 New Jersey Governor’s race.

Englewood, NJ – April 28, 2025 – The Professional Firefighters Association of New Jersey (PFANJ) and the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) have been working hard to combat the cuts from the Trump Administration that have negatively impacted the careers of our members and all first responders. These cuts include a reduction in services from these vital programs: National Firefighter Registry for Cancer, World Trade Center Health Program, National Fire Academy, Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program, and U.S. Forest Service.

Jackson, NJ – January 30, 2025 – The Professional Firefighters Association of New Jersey (PFANJ) has endorsed Ray Tremer for Commissioner in Jackson Fire District 4. Tremer, a career firefighter in Harrison, NJ, is seeking to improve public safety in his hometown where he got his start in the fire service as a Junior Firefighter with the Jackson Mills Fire Company. An Air Force veteran who served during Operation Iraqi Freedom in northern Iraq, Ray has also been deployed to Guam and Germany before starting his civilian career in the New Jersey Department of Corrections. Tremer’s military and public safety experience position him to help Jackson Fire District 4 respond to the rapidly changing environment, growth, and increasing call volume in the Township.

Trenton, NJ – November 4, 2024 – The Professional Firefighters Association of New Jersey (PFANJ) expresses its deep appreciation for Congressman Josh Gottheimer's steadfast commitment to first responders. During a meeting this past Friday, PFANJ leadership discussed their priorities with the Congressman, including additional steps to protect first responders in the state of New Jersey. The Congressman’s views align closely with PFANJ’s vision for a safer and stronger state under our next president, Congress, and governor.

Trenton, NJ – October 26, 2024 – The Professional Fire Fighters Association of New Jersey (PFANJ) commends our congressional delegation for their significant contributions to improving the well-being and working conditions of firefighters and first responders across the country. Citing their impact on our state’s first responders President Matthew Caliente and the Executive Board are pleased to announce the endorsement of the following members of Congress: