TOMS RIVER, N.J. — While volunteer firefighting is unpaid, many who serve at the Toms River Fire Department have used the experience to launch careers in emergency services. Some professions, like emergency management directors and nurses, require college degrees, while others, such as dispatchers and EMTs, do not. Through training, networking, and hands-on experience, many volunteers have turned their service into full-time careers.
Travis Veth: Career firefighter
Travis Veth, the Chief of East Dover Fire Company, now works as a career firefighter in Lakewood. He began as a junior explorer at 17, following in his family’s footsteps.
“Almost everything I learned and where I am today started at the Toms River Fire Academy and pushed me to my career goals,” Veth said.
After earning his EMT certification, he was hired by Lakewood Township EMS before taking the civil service test, leading to his position as a Lakewood firefighter five years ago.
Toms River Fire Department provides its volunteers with training and equipment for a range of emergencies, including fire suppression, vehicle extrication, water rescues, and hazardous materials incidents.
“The Toms River Fire Academy has become one of the most well-attended fire academies in the state,” Veth noted.
Balancing his roles as a career firefighter and Chief requires teamwork. “I think I have one of the best officer groups that supports me and makes my job a thousand times easier,” he said.
Matt Janora: Chief Inspector
Matt Janora, Chief Inspector of the Toms River Fire Prevention Bureau and past Chief of Pleasant Plains Volunteer Fire Company, initially had no plans to enter emergency services. He studied computer science in college before switching to criminal justice, later joining the Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office.
“The more involved volunteers are at Toms River Fire Department, the more credibility and name recognition they’ll have, opening future career opportunities,” Janora said.
He highlighted the value of networking within the fire service. “We have plumbers, electricians, and many other trades, so there’s usually someone who can mentor you and assist with career goals,” he said.
Janora’s experience responding to fire alarms as a volunteer helped him transition into code enforcement, where he now oversees fire inspections for commercial properties and residential sales, investigates fires, and serves as the public information officer.
“I made lifelong friends through volunteering. I can’t say enough good things about the fire department and what it’s done for me,” he said.
Charles “CJ” Weinberger: Communications supervisor
Charles “CJ” Weinberger volunteers at Toms River Fire Company No. 2 while working as a Communications Supervisor for the department.
He joined Pleasant Plains Fire Company in 1996 as an explorer and later became a dispatcher, taking 9-1-1 calls and directing emergency personnel.
“Understanding how the fireground works makes our dispatchers top of the list,” Weinberger said, emphasizing the importance of fire service knowledge in dispatch operations.
Now overseeing daily operations of the communications center for fire and EMS, he ensures emergency responses run smoothly.
“The Toms River Fire Department is one of the best,” he said. “We offer endless training and have top-notch equipment, allowing us to have some of the best firefighters in the country.”
Despite the demands of his job, Weinberger finds time for family. He is approaching 15 years of marriage and supports his children’s extracurricular activities, including traveling for NASCAR Youth Series events.
A pathway to careers
Through training, mentorship, and real-world experience, volunteering at Toms River Fire Department has helped many individuals pursue careers in emergency services while serving their community.