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"Spotlight On Volunteers" is a new Buzz feature which will help residents get to know some of the many volunteers that spend countless hours providing services to the Franklin Lakes community.
As Chief of the Fire Department, Charles “Chuck” Bohny is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the Fire Department. Chuck joined the Fire Department in August of 1992 as a Probationary Member. He became the Fire Department Engineer in 1995. The Fire Department Engineer is the member of the Department that assists with maintenance of Fire Department equipment. 29 years later, Chuck still holds that position and, in 2007, he became the Chief Engineer. He has been a “Firematic” officer (officers in charge of firefighting operations) since 1998, including serving as Chief of the Fire Department from 2008 to 2010, and then, after a ten year break, he was again elected as Chief of the Fire Department in 2020, and has continued to service as Chief to the current day.
Chuck has held every Fire Department Officer position including Lieutenant, Captain, Assistant Chief and Chief of the Fire Department. Chuck has also been the President of the Franklin Lakes Fire Department Exempt Association since 2011. In 2012, Chuck received the Northwest Bergen Mutual Aid Association Medal of Valor Award. In addition to this award, he has received several other citations, commendations and lifesaving awards throughout his time in the Franklin Lakes Fire Department.
Chuck grew up in Oakland, New Jersey and has lived in Franklin Lakes since 2006. He has been with his fiancé Jessica since 2009. Chuck loves to play the guitar and loves any and all things music. He also enjoys tending to his fresh and saltwater aquariums in his free time, along with fixing anything mechanical. He is also very fond of classic cars and trucks and has a love of trains.
Among the Chief’s duties, he develops yearly goals and objectives for the Department that fit the needs of the community and best utilize the Borough’s assets. Chuck is responsible for ensuring that the members of the Fire Department follow all of the best practices and procedures. The development and implementation of new policies and ensuring compliance with those already in effect is an important responsibility of the Chief. He works with the Borough Administrator, the Chief Financial Officer and the Mayor and Council every year to develop a budget that is cost effective and serves the needs of the community.
Chief Bohny explains, “Safety and outreach to the residents and guests of the Borough are our priority. As an agency, we are always searching for ways to better serve the town whether it be through expanding our interaction in the schools or attending community events.”
If you ever wish to know more about the Fire Department, or become a member, please visit the Fire Department’s website which is full of helpful information. “Residents can always contact us with any concerns you may have, it is our pleasure to serve such a wonderful community,” says Chief Chuck Bohny.
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