Lakehurst Fire Company Closes After 113 Years

The borough's volunteer fire department is shutting down due to staffing shortages.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 9:09pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A high-contrast silkscreen print featuring a repeating grid of a vintage red fire engine in bright, neon-like colors, conceptually representing the closure of Lakehurst's long-standing volunteer fire department.The vibrant legacy of Lakehurst's volunteer fire department is captured in a bold, pop art tribute to the community's now-shuttered emergency services.Lakehurst Today

After 113 years of service, the Lakehurst Volunteer Fire Company has closed its doors. The borough council accepted the resignations of the fire chief, assistant chief, and two other firefighters, citing ongoing issues with recruiting and retaining volunteers. The fire department's station will be temporarily shut down, with neighboring fire companies in Manchester Township and Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst responding to calls in Lakehurst under a mutual aid agreement.

Why it matters

The closure of the Lakehurst Volunteer Fire Company marks the end of an era for the community. The fire department has been a vital part of Lakehurst for over a century, providing essential emergency services and playing an active role in local events and traditions. Its shutdown highlights the challenges many small, volunteer-based fire departments face in maintaining adequate staffing levels in the modern era.

The details

The Lakehurst Volunteer Fire Company, based at Station 62 on Proving Ground Road, officially closed on April 1, 2026. The borough council accepted the resignations of Fire Chief Sean Parker, Assistant Fire Chief Iain James, and two other firefighters, Theresa M. Davis and Joshua N. Davis. While Parker is only resigning from his leadership role and plans to return to the department at some point, James has left the fire company entirely.

  • The Lakehurst Volunteer Fire Company closed its doors on April 1, 2026.
  • The borough council accepted the resignations of the fire department's leadership during its first meeting of the month, on April 2, 2026.

The players

Sean Parker

The former fire chief of the Lakehurst Volunteer Fire Company, who is resigning from his leadership role but plans to return to the department at a later time.

Iain James

The former assistant fire chief of the Lakehurst Volunteer Fire Company, who has resigned from the department entirely.

Theresa M. Davis

A former firefighter with the Lakehurst Volunteer Fire Company, who has resigned from the department.

Joshua N. Davis

A former firefighter with the Lakehurst Volunteer Fire Company, who has resigned from the department.

Lakehurst Volunteer Fire Company

A 113-year-old volunteer fire department that has served the borough of Lakehurst, New Jersey, and is now closing due to staffing shortages.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“My intention is to resign as chief, not to leave the fire department. At some point in time, I do plan on returning if that is allowed but right now the stress and responsibility is just not what I need.”

— Sean Parker, Former Fire Chief

“Iain pulled the plug. It is my understanding that he has left period.”

— Robert McCarthy, Councilman and Fire Company Liaison

What’s next

The borough of Lakehurst is working to establish a long-term solution for fire protection, as the volunteer fire company's temporary closure leaves the community relying on mutual aid from neighboring departments in Manchester Township and Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst.

The takeaway

The closure of the Lakehurst Volunteer Fire Company after 113 years of service highlights the growing challenge of maintaining volunteer-based emergency services in small communities. As recruitment and retention issues plague fire departments across the country, Lakehurst's experience serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of finding sustainable solutions to ensure the continued protection of local residents.