The Lakewood Fire District will be appointing Jonathan Yahr as its career fire chief at tomorrow night’s meeting of the Board of Fire Commissioners, TLS has learned.

After creating the new position last month, the Fire Commissioners will promote Yahr, who has served as captain for several years, to the new rank. The promotion will become official with the approval of a contract listed on the Board’s meeting agenda.

The Lakewood Fire Department includes both volunteer and career (paid) companies. The volunteer and paid firefighters work together at major fires; for smaller fires or alarm activations, only one unit is dispatched.

TLS spoke with Fire Commissioner Larry Loigman, who praised Yahr’s performance as captain.

“The Board is confident that he will put his expertise and 20 years of firefighting experience to good use,” Loigman said. “Lakewood is growing rapidly, and we need a full time chief to provide management of our fire protection programs.”

During the last several years, Loigman noted, Michael D’Elia, Jr., has served with distinction as volunteer fire chief. But the increase in life hazards throughout the Township, coupled with a higher population density, now requires that the Fire District have a chief who can devote his entire day to Lakewood’s needs. As chief, Yahr will oversee fire suppression, responding to all major fires. He will also manage prevention and training programs, as well as being involved in administrative work, such as personnel assignments and upgrading apparatus and equipment.

“The Lakewood Fire District has become reinvigorated with new manpower and strategies, but more volunteers are always needed,” Loigman said.

Anyone interested in joining the fire department is urged to contact the District office, at 732 364-5151, for additional information about this essential community service.