“If you want experience doing everything, Carneys Point is the place you want to be,” said firefighter Ian Norcross. “It’s definitely diverse and busy; it’s the busiest fire company in Salem County.”

Volunteer firefighters respond to residential and commercial fires, car accidents, brush fires, water rescues, and more. The 17-square-mile area across Carneys Point Township includes housing developments, apartments, row homes, businesses, and farmland.

Ian joined Carneys Point Fire Department in May 2024; however, he grew up around the fire service attending events with his grandfather at Westville Fire Company. He began volunteering as a teenager with Woodbury Heights in 2011.

“I volunteer to fulfill a family heritage of firefighting,” said Ian. “My grandfather, uncle, father, and myself have all served in a capacity in a volunteer fire company.”

Ian has also built many personal and professional relationships in the fire service.

“I used my training and volunteer experience to propel my occupation as a paid firefighter/inspector,” explains Ian.

He works part-time as a firefighter/inspector for Logan Township and works full-time as a fire/EMS dispatcher for Gloucester County.

As a Carneys Point volunteer, Ian enjoys working with the leadership there.

“With the years of experience the leadership has, you never have to worry about taking things on by yourself. There’s always guidance and someone you can ask,” he says.

Ian encourages new volunteers to ask questions, be eager, and be willing to learn new things.

“If you’re open to learning the trucks, going to drill night, listening to the officers, they’re going to put in the energy you put in,” said Ian. “You’re going to get out of it what you put in.”

Additionally, there are volunteer roles for everyone. Carneys Point needs firefighters, junior firefighters (ages 16-17), fire police, and auxiliary members.

In his free time, Ian enjoys spending time with his wife, taking trips, and driving his classic car and motorcycle.

Learn more about volunteering at www.ProtectCarneysPoint.org.