About Us
Not Just Fighting Fires
Firefighters in Paterson decided to organize a Benevolent Association in 1851. A decade later, on February 18, 1862, the 86th New Jersey Assembly incorporated the Paterson FMBA.
Since then, Paterson Fire Association, FMBA Local 2, has fought for the firefighters of Paterson. Improving working conditions, fairness in compensation, physical and legal protections, and caring for our own who face sickness or worse. All while fighting to keep the residents of Paterson safe.
Our residents have come to rely on us, and we proudly serve them. We take the issue of fire safety and prevention very seriously. At Paterson Fire Association Local 2, our ultimate goal is the well-being of our members and the community we serve.
What does the PFA do?
For our Members:
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Collective Bargaining: The PFA negotiate with the City Administration on behalf of our members to establish fair wages, improved benefits, and working conditions, and enhaned job security. By being a member, employees gain a collective voice and can influence the terms of their employment through collective bargaining.
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Job Security: We can help protect employees from unjust terminations or layoffs. Establishing through our C.B.A. provisions that outline the procedures and criteria for disciplinary actions, layoffs, and reorganizations. This increased job security can protect members from arbitrary or unfair treatment by the adminstration.
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Fair Compensation: We strive to secure competitive wages and benefits for their members. Through negotiations, we can advocate for higher salaries, better healthcare coverage, retirement plans, paid leave, and other benefits.
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Workplace Safety and Health: We monitor conditions and promote and enforce workplace safety regulations.
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Legal Protection and Representation: The PFA provides our members with legal representation in disputes or grievances related to employment. If an employee faces unfair treatment, discrimination, or other workplace issues, we offer support, guidance, and representation throughout the resolution process.
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Professional Development: Labor unions often prioritize professional development opportunities for their members. This can include training programs, workshops, seminars, and educational resources that help workers enhance their skills, knowledge, and career prospects.
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Solidarity and Collective Support: We actively try to foster a sense of solidarity and unity among our members. Members can benefit from the support and camaraderie of fellow workers who share similar concerns and interests. We often organize social events, enable networking opportunities, and facilitate communication channels like this website for our members to connect and support one another through.
Our Careers
Stay Safe. Be Informed.
Firefighting
Aggressive fire suppression is essential to saving lives and property in a city as populated as ours. The Paterson Firefighters Association ensures our members have the training, equipment, knowledge, and support to fight fires safely and aggressively. The goal is to effectively save lives and property in our community and our own.
Motor Vehicle Rescues
It’s incredibly important for people to be aware of the latest technologies designed to keep them safe from fires and other emergency hazards. This program takes that to heart, with instruction and training by some of our finest first responders. Join us in learning how to help prevent and respond to emergency situations.
Emergency Medical Services
Established in 1970, the Paterson Fire Department Ambulance Service provides fast, skilled, life-saving Emergency care to our community. All firefighters hired after 2000 are certified Emergency Medical Technicians. Portions of their on-duty time is served on the Ambulance, saving lives in the community, every day.
Public Education
The Paterson Firefighters Association
FMBA Local 2 team is deeply invested in the emergency education of youth and the continuing preparation of adults. Public educational is designed to teach residents the kinds of activities they can engage in and what they should stop doing in order to protect themselves, their families, and their properties from fires and other emergency situations.