New Member Sworn Into Chatham Township Fire Department

CHATHAM, NJ — The Chatham Township Volunteer Fire Department (CTVFD) has grown in ranks as Chief Matt Chase welcomed its newest member.

Firefighter Lina Sriji successfully completed all of the state and department training requirements and is now serving the Chatham Township community.

Sriji joined the CTVFD junior firefighters program in 2021 when she was 16 years old and a junior at Chatham High School, according to officials. Sriji has been a member of the CTVFD for the last two and a half years and is presently an undergraduate student at Rutgers University studying economics and computer science.

"It didn't take many training hours or post-drill dinners to quickly fall in love with the department and the fire service. I have loved getting to know and work with so many amazing members of our community in our ever-growing firehouse family," Sriji said. "As a sworn member of the department, I am truly excited to continue to further my knowledge and help guide the success of others as they continue their journey as firefighters."

Since first joining the department, Sriji has earned both the Firefighter One and two certifications at the Morris County Fire Academy.

"Lina is a great addition to our team. She joins firefighters Olivia Barry and Suzanna Semerjian, along with one probationary and three female junior members. It’s exciting to see our membership grow, especially with the addition of these strong, confident women," Chase said.

The department, which was founded in 1925, is entirely made up of volunteer personnel, including 25 current firefighters, junior firefighters and associate members who provide services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

The fire department has its headquarters on River Road and a second station on Southern Boulevard, and it answers about 300 calls each year, both within Chatham Township and as mutual aid to departments in adjacent areas.

The Chatham Township Volunteer Fire Department is always looking for driven and dedicated men and women to become part of their families, officials said. All training and equipment are provided for those interested in participating. For more information, email [email protected].

“All you need is a little time and a lot of heart to join the CTVFD family and save lives while building lifelong friendships,” CTVFD President Richard Gentles said.