Paramus Fire Department

Paramus Volunteer Fire Department Memorial Service

Today, we gather to honor and remember the members of the Paramus Volunteer Fire Department who have answered their last alarm. Their dedication, sacrifice, and commitment to serving our community helped shape the tradition of the volunteer service that continues today.

The public is warmly invited to join us as we pay tribute to these individuals and reflect on their lasting legacy.

📅 Sunday, October 4, 2026
🕛 12:00 PM
📍 Firemen's Memorial Park
Spring Valley Road & Forest Avenue
Paramus, NJ

🚗 Parking Available
275 Forest Avenue

As we remember those who came before us, we reaffirm the values that define our department: Service, Sacrifice, Brotherhood, and Commitment to Community.

In Memoriam: September 23, 2015 - LODD
Firefighter Shawn M. Benson, 50
Paramus Fire Department. Paramus, New Jersey
Firefighter and Ex-Fire Chief Benson was found unresponsive at home several hours after responding with Paramus Fire Department, Company 2, to a local restaurant for a fire alarm activation. Firefighter Benson was transported to the hospital where he was pronounced deceased. Firefighter Benson was a 32 year veteran of the department.

🚒 Garbage Truck Fire Extinguished on University Way 🚒
This morning at approximately 6:50 a.m., crews from Engine 2, Engine 3, and Engine 4 responded to University Way in Paramus for a reported garbage truck fire.
Upon arrival, firefighters found that the contents of the garbage truck were on fire and had been dumped onto the roadway. Crews quickly went to work and safely extinguished the fire, preventing further extension and ensuring the area was safe.
The cause of the fire remains undetermined; however, this incident serves as an important reminder that lithium-ion batteries should never be placed in regular household garbage. These batteries can become damaged during collection and processing, creating a significant fire hazard. Additionally, pool chlorine tablets must be disposed of properly, as they can react with other materials and also cause fires.
⚠️ Lithium-ion batteries and chlorine tablets are among the leading causes of garbage truck and waste facility fires.
Please help keep sanitation workers, first responders, and our community safe by following proper disposal guidelines.
Interested in Serving Your Community?
We're always looking for dedicated individuals who want to make a difference. If you're interested in a rewarding and challenging opportunity in the fire service, consider joining our team.
✅ Serve your community
✅ Build valuable skills
✅ Be part of a proud tradition
For information on recruitment opportunities, contact us or visit our website.

🚒📬 Keep an Eye on Your Mailbox, Paramus! 📬🚒

Our annual Paramus Fire Department mailer and fundraiser was sent out last week and should be arriving in mailboxes throughout the community any day now.
As always, your support helps us continue providing the highest level of fire protection, fire prevention, public education, and emergency services to our residents and businesses. When you receive the mailer, we hope you'll take a moment to review it and consider making a donation to support the department.

💻 Want to donate online? We've made it easier than ever! Visit our newly launched website at www.paramusfire.org and click the Donate button to make a secure contribution via PayPal.

Every donation—big or small—helps make a difference.
Thank you for your continued support of the Paramus Fire Department and the men and women who proudly serve our community. ❤️🚒

🚒💨💨 For those wondering about the source of the smoke, we sent our members out looking for it and they have officially determined that it's coming from Canada.

🚨 AIR QUALITY ADVISORY – WILDFIRE SMOKE IMPACTING PARAMUS 🚨

Residents may notice hazy skies and an unusual smell of smoke today as wildfire smoke from Canada moves into the area, affecting air quality across northern New Jersey. The National Weather Service has also issued an Air Quality Alert.

We suggest that children, older adults, and individuals with asthma or other respiratory conditions consider limiting prolonged outdoor activity until the smoke clears.

We encourage residents to:
• Limit extended outdoor activities if you are sensitive to air pollution.
• Keep windows and doors closed when possible.
• Use air conditioning if available.
• Stay hydrated, not because of the smoke, but because of today's hot weather. ☀️🥤

⚠️ A Friendly Tip from Your Firefighters ⚠️

While the smell of smoke is not typically present in Paramus, today's odor is largely attributable to wildfire smoke affecting the Northeast. 💨💨
If you detect a general outdoor odor of smoke without visible fire, flames, or an immediate hazard, please use discretion before calling 911 to report the smell of smoke. HOWEVER, if you observe smoke coming from a structure, vehicle, wooded area, or believe there is an active emergency, do not hesitate to call 911 immediately.

🚒 One final thought: If you're tired of breathing the smoke, you should consider joining the Paramus Fire Department. We'll provide you with an SCBA so you don't have to! Applications won't make the smoke go away, but at least you'll look professional while avoiding it.