Jackson Fire District #2 is calling on residents to participate in the upcoming Fire Budget Referendum on Saturday, February 21, 2026. The vote comes at a critical time as the district faces a “perfect storm” of rapid population growth, a 13 percent increase in emergency calls, and a nationwide shortage of volunteer firefighters.

Meeting the Demand for Safety

In 2025, Fire District #2 responded to 1,575 calls for service, a significant jump from the previous year. To ensure the safety of our growing community, the district has achieved several historic milestones over the past year:

• 24/7/365 Coverage: On July 13th, the District moved to full-time career firefighter coverage—the first 24-hour shifts in township history.

• Enhanced EMS Response: As of December 1st, EMS First Responder coverage was extended to 24 hours a day to provide life-saving care faster.

• Modernized Operations: The district is integrated with Fire District No. 3 via the First Due software system to streamline emergency response, maintenance, and reporting.

Why Your Vote Matters

The 2026 budget is essential to maintaining these 24/7 operations and funding Jackson Fire District #2. Approval of the budget ensures that residents continue to receive rapid response times, and professional fire and medical protection as local demand increases.

“Our firefighters are responding to more calls than ever before,” said Scott Rauch, District #2 Fire District Administrator. “This budget allows us to continue providing the 24-hour protection our residents deserve. We are asking the community to help us serve them at the highest possible level.”

How to Vote

Residents have two ways to make their voices heard:

1. In-Person Voting

   • When: Saturday, February 21, 2026

   • Time: 2:00 PM – 10:00 PM

   • Where: Jackson Fire Station #56, 135 Miller Road, Jackson, NJ.

2. Vote by Mail

   • Request Deadline: Ballots must be requested by February 8. Visit Ocean County Clerk to apply.

   • Submission Deadline: Mail-in ballots must be postmarked by February 15 and received by February 17.
     [Press Release]