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Wildwood

This article is a direct street report from our correspondent and has not been edited by the 1st Responder newsroom.

The Wildwood Fire Department traces its roots to the early 20th century, evolving from volunteer companies into a modern career–volunteer department. Holly Beach Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 was formed in 1884 Wildwood Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 was established in 1896 In 1912, the Boroughs of Holly Beach and Wildwood consolidated to form the City of Wildwood .


In January 1913, Charles Nickerson was elected Chief of the Wildwood Fire Department, with Harry Dunham as Assistant Chief. The department initially operated as a volunteer force. In 1932, the volunteers were replaced by a fully paid fire department, and William Letts was appointed Chief After a few years, with changes in city leadership, the volunteer system was reinstated, Daniel Speigel is the current Chief of dept.


Today, the Wildwood Fire Department is a combination-type department with a career division (about 24 career firefighters) and a volunteer division (Holly Beach Fire Company No. 1 and Wildwood Fire Company No. 1) . It provides fire protection, emergency medical services (BLS level), and fire prevention education, serving a population of around 5,100 year-round, with seasonal surges to 40,000 during summer

From its volunteer origins in the late 1800s to its current career–volunteer model, the Wildwood Fire Department has adapted to meet the needs of a growing coastal community, maintaining a strong tradition of public service and safety. Current plans are that a new Pierce Enforcer Engine has been ordered. The firehouses and apparatus roster are as follows;

Cape May County Station 3 (Headquarters) - 4400 New Jersey Avenue

  • ATV 1 - Kimtek Medlite
  • ATV 2 - Kimtek Medlite
  • Squad 3 - 2017 Pierce Saber 4x4 (2000/500) 
  • Quint 3 - 2014 E-One Typhoon eMAX (1500/500/78' rear-mount ladder) (Ex-Engine 38)
  • Brush 3 - AM General 6x6
  • Rescue 3 - 2020 Ferrara Ultra heavy rescue
  • Ambulance 3 (Reserve) - 2014 Ford E-450 / Horton Type III
  • Utility 3 - 2007 Dodge Ram 2500 / Stahl
  • ATV 3 - ASAP 6x6 MedStat ambulance
  • Car 3 (Chief) - 2014 Chevrolet Tahoe
  • Ambulance 3-1 - 2017 Ford E-450 / AEV Type III
  • Utility 3-1 - AM General 6x6
  • Car 3-1 (Deputy Chief/Tour Commander) - 2014 Chevrolet Tahoe
  • Ambulance 3-2 - 2022 Ford F-550 4x4 / Horton Type I
  • Utility 3-2 - AM General 6x6
  • Ambulance 3-3 - 2019 Ford F-450 / AEV
  • Car 3-3 (Fire Official) - 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe
  • Car 3-5 (Fire inspector) - 2008 Ford Explorer
  • Rescue BoatsAB Profile RIB w/ motor
  • Inmar inflatable
  • Venture double stack trailer

Cape May County Station 3-1 - 103 West Montgomery Avenue

Holly Beach Volunteer Fire Company No. 1

  • Utility 329 - 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 / Reading (200/250)
  • Antique - 1913 American LaFrance aerial (-/-/65' tractor-drawn) (Reg.#392)

Cape May County Station 3-2 - 111 East Pine Avenue

Wildwood Volunteer Fire Company No. 1

Engine 3 (Reserve) - 1996 Pierce Saber (1500/500) , 

Antique - 1937 American LaFrance Senior 400 Series pumper (1250/100) (Reg.#7810)


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DAMIEN DANISSenior Correspondent

No information from the author.