Spotlight: Frenchtown Fire Department

Residents may have seen the Frenchtown Fire Department (FFD) supporting members of the community throughout the borough, including, most recently, during the July storm that caused significant tree damage and power outages in the area.

The FFD typically responds to 125-150 calls each year and there are currently 12 volunteers on the FFD roster.

Firefighting operations in the borough operate under a model that is intended to separate emergency operations from business or fundraising administration. Under this model, the FFD chief manages all on-scene emergency operations, training protocols, apparatus readiness and equipment procurement. The Union Fire Company, an independent, non-profit organization, manages facilities, organizational bylaws, finances and membership. Additionally, Frenchtown participates in a county-wide mutual aid agreement that includes municipal fire departments throughout Hunterdon and Bucks Counties. This agreement ensures a reciprocal system where Frenchtown and neighboring departments automatically dispatch extra firefighters, specialized equipment and emergency personnel to support one another whenever required.

The origin of Frenchtown’s dual model dates back to 1866. The department and the Vigilant Hose Company were established with 55 members, a hand pump fire apparatus and a hose cart with 500 feet of leather hose. After the Vigilant Company’s engine failed to operate during the 1878 fire that destroyed 25 homes and businesses downtown, the company disbanded.

In 1888, Borough Council members and citizens formed a committee to reestablish fire protection and on September 12, 1888, the Union Fire Company was formed, and the borough swore in fire department officers that day.

The firehouse structure located at 31 Second St. was purchased by the Union Fire Company in 1923 (the library occupies the original firehouse space).

Today, FFD volunteers must join both the fire department as well as the independent Union Fire Company. All volunteers must complete more than 200 hours of training.

The borough provides workers’ compensation insurance and the borough’s annual budget includes a line-item appropriation to the independent Union Fire Company of $26,000. The budget is spent directly on fire new equipment, equipment replacements, vehicle repairs and maintenance, training, materials and supplies. The Union Fire Company hosts fundraisers such as the recent Coin Drop; the proceeds of which go directly to the FFD budget. It costs $7000 to equip a single firefighter with basic gear; the FFD must provide an annual accounting of use of borough funds to the Borough Council. Additional budgetary line items pay for the utilities, fuel and insurances. The ownership of the fire trucks, life-saving equipment, and gear is split between the Union Fire Company and the Borough depending on how the assets were purchased.

Long-time Frenchtown resident, Mike Atheras, currently serves as the fire chief of the FFD. Chief Atheras is a retired member the New York City Fire Department and a former rescue specialist with New Jersey Task Force 1 Urban Search and Rescue. He was raised in Frenchtown and attended both Frenchtown Elementary and Delaware Valley Regional High Schools. Chief Atheras joined the FFD in 1988 and served as chief from 1996-2000. He took on the role again in January 2026.

Chief Atheras encourages residents to call 911 for emergencies rather than the FFD’s direct number, 908-996-4423, which is not monitored 24/7. Calling 911 ensures an immediate dispatch of the FFD alongside mutual aid partners.

Residents who are interested in becoming a volunteer member of the FFD can complete the application at: frenchtownfd.org/applications.

Residents who would like to be informed about operations of the independent Union Fire Company, can use the contact page at the FFD’s website: frenchtownfd.org/.