HANOVER — Emergency calls are surging, and the cost of ensuring safety is unsustainable. To understand Hanover Township Fire District 3’s current situation, the community is invited to a Public Hearing Q&A on January 15, at 7:00 p.m., at the Cedar Knolls Fire House, 82 Ridgedale Avenue, Cedar Knolls.
“There has never been a more critical time for our residents to hear directly from the Fire District about the challenges we face, and the resources required to keep our community safe. We urge everyone to join us in January and have their questions answered,” said Fire Commissioner Gary Keyser.
As residential and commercial development in Hanover Township grows, so does the demand for 911 services. In 2025 alone, more than 3,000 EMS and fire calls were responded to. Despite this rising demand, the Fire District faces mounting financial pressure from inflation and the rising costs of equipment, training, insurance, and all other operating expenses. To keep up with costs and continue to provide high-quality lifesaving services, the budget and referendum will be on the ballot for the February 21, 2026, election.
“Our first responders’ jobs are quite literally on the line. If the budget and referendum don’t pass, we may be forced to cut our staff by over 50%,” said Michael Dugan, Treasurer of the Fire District. “With fewer personnel, it would lead to a ripple effect; EMS response times will increase, and the quality of service that our community has come to expect will decline.”
HANOVER TOWNSHIP FIRE DISTRICT 3 is the fire, EMS, and rescue provider for the Cedar Knolls section of the township, and the EMS provider for the entire township.
