Lakewood’s Fire District Business Manager Ms. Megan Dowd is retiring after more than 25 years, Ms. Dowd announced at last night’s Fire Commissioner meeting.
Ms. Dowd, with the department for about 27 years, told the Board she will be retiring as of November 30.
Fire Commissioner Larry Loigman tells TLS Ms. Dowd’s responsibilities included running the office, handling payroll, budgeting, bidding, personnel, insurance, keeping minutes of the commissioners’ meetings and more. She also oversaw maintenance issues for the firehouses and fire apparatus and oversaw building rennovations, Loigman says.
The Board will be holding a special meeting next Tuesday to figure out a plan for an interim replacement, Loigman says. Being that it’s a civil service position, the Board has to wait for the State to schedule a test before filling it on a permanent basis, says Loigman. TLS.
How much is the salary? I might want the job anf where do I apply
Best wishes to Megan in retirement. She has done a great job, saved the department a lot of money and deserves a wonderful retirement.
There is nobody that can replace Megan. She has done so much for the Dept and for Lakewood, there have been many times when she has also gone above and beyond her position.
Hopefully the Dept hires someone with fire experience, this is not an easy position to fill.
Good Luck Megan, we will miss you.
It would be a travesty to allow someone else to take over the position.
In these severe economic times it will be the irresponsible to not allow the township to gain control of the fire department as a whole. the Fire District of Lakewood is a horse and buggy show it does not operate under the legal laws of the state government. the fiscal budget as always announced is nothing more than smoking mirrors. if they operate under the legal laws of the State it would cost much more to run the paid department.
Good luck Megan enjoy your retirement. Sad day for the Fire Dept., You will not be easily replaced.
Wow what a Great friendly lady she is as well as her husband.
We live down the block from her and she is always nice, kind and and helps us out when we need something.
Good Luck with the retirement ,I hope you are not moveing away.
Megan has done an outstanding job, and has always been a valuable asset to the town of Lakewood and the Fire Dept. as well as the Fire District. Replacement, I think not. Someone may move into the role but will not go above and beyond each and everyday as Megan has always done. She will be sorely missed. Best of luck in your well deserved retirement!!!
For anyone interested in applying for this position or any other civil service job here is the link for state wide jobs lots of luck to all.
http://info.csc.state.nj.us/vats/
I agree with John: Megan does a fenominal job for us as firefighters. When we need our trucks repaired she is the one that makes the calls and understands what is needed. We will miss her expertise and experience in that office. The amount of paperwork alone is crazy that she has to keep up with and does.
Will be a sad day when she is gone and will be missed tremendously
Why are you showing #4 Fire House her office is to the left, the white house.
Megan started with the fire commissioners back in 1987. At the time we had many old outdate fire houses, some that were 50 plus year old in need of repair and firetrucks that were dated. New members at that time were issued second hand gear. The fire commissioners had to beg for funding from the township committee for new equipment. It was from that point back in 1987 that things changed. The five commissioners set out to improve the department and hired Megan to oversee the logistic end of the business. Fast forward to today. She put together an office that is the model for other fire districts. Having worked with her on a few projects over the years and serving as a line officer, I can say without a doubt that she was one of the best at what she did and always had the public’s and department best interest in mind. She was always on call 24/7 even when on vacation, when something went wrong or someone got hurt she was there to oversee the issues or to assist the fire commsioners . The board will never be able to replace her dedication to her position.
I wish her much happiness in her retirement and with future endeavors. Job well Megan.