A significant change is coming to Toms River Fire District No. 1, as the district is seeking to hire its first full-time Career Fire Chief to provide overall leadership and coordination of the district’s volunteer fire service, TLS has learned.

District No. 1 covers the southern, western and eastern sections of Toms River Township and is comprised of Toms River Fire Companies No. 1 and No. 2 (Downtown), Ocean Beach Fire Company and East Dover Fire Company.

The Toms River volunteer fire companies have provided fire protection to the community for decades, with the individual companies operating under their own volunteer Fire Chiefs and company officers.

Under the new position, the Career Fire Chief will oversee the district’s fire operations and work with the volunteer Fire Chiefs, company officers, firefighters and District personnel.

The chief will be responsible for coordinating operations among the district’s volunteer companies, as well as overseeing areas including staffing, training, response readiness, recruitment and retention.

The chief will also monitor emergency response capabilities, apparatus and equipment, assist with the district’s fire service budget and capital planning, and respond to significant emergency incidents when appropriate.

The district said the Career Fire Chief will coordinate district-wide operations while recognizing the established command responsibilities of the individual volunteer Fire Chiefs and company officers.

The position requires at least 10 years of progressively responsible fire service experience, including previous service as a Fire Chief, Assistant Fire Chief, Deputy Chief, Battalion Chief or comparable senior fire officer.

The position will work under the direction of the Board of Fire Commissioners.