In a major step forward for emergency response services in Jackson Township, the township’s career fire staff officially began 24-hour coverage today. At 6 a.m., the department transitioned from a part-time weekday schedule to a fully staffed, around-the-clock operation—marking a historic milestone for the Jackson Township Fire Service.
Previously, career firefighters operated on three rotating platoons covering weekdays from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., with alternating weekend shifts. Under the new structure, the staff has been reorganized into four platoons providing continuous coverage 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
The new platoon structure is as follows:
A Platoon: Lt. Justin Hanson, Dylan Dziedzic, and Jonathan Bosley
B Platoon: Lt. Jason Zimmerman, Adam Poppe, and Ryan Calhoun
C Platoon: Lt. John Poppe III, Andrew Reaves, and Chris Bizzarro
D Platoon: Lt. Jesse Langguth, Ryan Schulte, and Nate Shirley
Despite the transition to full-time staffing, township officials emphasize that Jackson’s volunteer fire companies will remain an essential part of the community’s fire protection system. Volunteer companies will continue to provide round-the-clock coverage as they have in the past.
Residents interested in volunteering can attend weekly meetings at their local firehouses:
District 2:
- Whitesville Volunteer Fire Company meets Mondays at 7:30 p.m. (Hope Chapel Rd.)
- Cassville Volunteer Fire Company meets Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. (Miller Ave. or Toms River Rd.)
District 3:
- Jackson Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 meets Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. (North New Prospect Rd.)
District 4:
- Jackson Mills Volunteer Fire Company meets Mondays at 7:30 p.m. (County Line Rd.)