A Message From the Chief

As Chief of the Beach Haven Vol. Fire Co. No. 1, I am proud and honored to serve this Company, the Borough of Beach Haven, and the surrounding communities. I have been on the island since I was born, being raised in our family home during the summertime in North Beach Haven. I knew from an early age, this is where I wanted to live. I grew up in a Firehouse, watching my father serve as a Volunteer Fire Chief and continuing today as a Career Fire Captain in Hamilton Township. Growing up in that environment taught me the values of hard work, teamwork, and putting others before yourself. 

 

My journey started where my fathers did, with the Decou Hose Fire Company. I joined the Fire Service at just 16 years old as a junior member, and graduated from the Mercer County Fire Academy at 18 years old. My journey continued at the Slackwood Vol. Fire Co. No. 1, in Lawrence Township, where I was proud to serve as a Lieutenant and Captain for several years. 

 

As I got older, I spent more time on the island. I attended a BHVFC fundraiser in 2018. At the fundraiser, I met for the first time, Chief Ted Johnson, Deputy Chief Jorge Salazar, and Lieutenant Adam Ellender. I was encouraged to apply as an associate member, and that’s just what I did.

 

When I moved full time to the island, joining the BHVFC felt like coming home. I would help fight fires, assist in water rescues, and would continue to show up for our community whenever anyone needed help. I have proudly served as the 2nd Lieutenant, 

1st Lieutenant, Captain, Deputy Chief, and now Fire Chief. Serving this community is more than a title to me, it is a calling. I am truly proud and grateful to serve the members of the Oldest Fire Company in Ocean County.

 

Our mission here at the BHVFC is to provide Fire Protection, Suppression, and Rescue to the residents of Beach Haven, Long Beach Township, and neighboring communities. The core values of the Fire Service are to protect life, the preservation of property, and incident stabilization. We will continue to transform today’s Fire/Rescue service into a progressive, proactive, and professional service; a service that will exceed today’s demands, and meet tomorrows. 

 

We are always here to help the community, even if it is not an emergency. Should you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to me. If you would like to express a statement of gratitude, I would be elated to share it with our membership. I am eternally grateful to those who have mentored, guided, and supported me on my way. I would not be the person I am today without them. Take care of yourself, God Bless, and thank you again for all your continued support. 

 

Respectfully,

 

Ferdinand C. Mather III 

 

BHVFC Fire Chief