Scutari signs new police chaplain law

Local governing bodies now have more flexibility in their appointment of fire department chaplains under a new law signed today by Acting Gov. Nicholas Scutari.

“Chaplains provide an invaluable service for local fire departments and the communities they serve,” said Scutari.  “They support the men and women who put their lives on the line when protecting the safety of the residents.  This law enables local government to appoint fire chaplains that meet their needs without undue expense.”

Municipalities are currently permitted to pay fire department chaplains, and the bill, sponsored by State Sens. Linda Greenstein (D-Plainsboro) and Shirley Turner (D-Lawrence) and Assemblymen Dan Benson (D-Hamilton) and Reginald Atkins (D-Roselle) codifies job protections for chaplains.  The new law allows elected officials to determine compensation.

“Fire Department chaplains are an integral part of New Jersey’s fire service,” said Eddie Donnelly, the president of the state’s firefighter union.   “Whether supporting our members and families in times of need or being that consoling voice at a memorial service, the NJ FMBA appreciates our Fire Chaplains.

Scutari is serving as acting governor while Phil Murphy is attending a Democratic Governors Association meeting in Colorado.  Murphy is returning tomorrow.

Following Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver’s death on August 1, Scutari is next in the line of succession.  That will continue until Murphy names Oliver’s replacement.