Welcome to the Waterford Township Fire Department website. We strive to provide exceptional fire and rescue services to Waterford Township and our surrounding communities with a firm belief in continual education, fire prevention and community outreach. We ask you to navigate our website and join us to experience our pride, dedication and commitment to serve all who call upon us. Your strong and ever growing support helps our community grow and strengthens our bond with the community.

Our Mission Statement

It is the mission of the Waterford Township Fire Department to provide the highest level of firefighting, rescue, fire prevention and public education services to the citizens of  Waterford Township, NJ and the surrounding communities.  

Our History

The Waterford Township Fire Department was established in 1993.  Initially, the township of Waterford was protected by three fire stations; Atco Fire Company, Dunbarton Fire Company and Louden Fire Company.  Each organization was a private volunteer fire company that was responsible for a geographic section of Waterford Township.  In 1993 the Township was approached by the Chiefs from each organization and through intense negotiations the Waterford Township Fire Department (District 23) was formed.  In an effort to streamline operations, provide better training, and become a more efficient organization, the three stations have since combined efforts and all fire and rescue operations are presently located and operated out of what was identified as Station 2 in District 23.  Since all operations were moved to one location, the Waterford Township Fire Department became Station 232, located at 2208 Atco Avenue, Atco NJ.  This is the location of the original firehouse in Atco where the Atco Fire Company was organized and incorporated in 1914 as the first formal fire and rescue service in the town of Atco.  As of March 2018, the Waterford Township Fire Department, Station 232, is now located at its new home at 2121 Auburn Avenue, Atco NJ, at the corner of Auburn Avenue and Carl Hasselhan Drive.  This location has special meaning to the members of the department, as Carl Hasselhan was a member who was killed in the line of duty on a fire in 1979 at 21 years of age.

The original firehouse required multiple additions over the years in order to grow with the needs of the Township.  All construction was completed by fire company members on nights and weekends.  The organization survived financially by conducting several fund raisers, and the Atco Fire Company became known for its famous pancake breakfast and its Friday night bingo.  As many fire departments still do, you could always count on a hoagie or two coming from the Atco Fire Company on Saturday mornings after members of the fire company made them homemade on Friday nights.  The organization also had a woman’s auxiliary that would consistently support the Fire Company members.  The members of the auxiliary were typically comprised of the wives and girlfriends of the Firefighters and they were a huge part of all fire company activities and fund raisers.  The Atco Fire Company also was home to the Atco Ambulance Association which has since developed into a paid EMS organization known as Waterford Township EMS, operating out of the old location of the Dunbarton Fire Company station.

The Waterford Township Fire Department prides itself on its proud traditions, outstanding training, new apparatus and the latest in fire and rescue equipment. We continue to move forward with the latest techniques and equipment, while reaching out to other communities in working towards shared services in an effort to operate more efficiently and safely on all incidents. The Department now has 40 active members and 15 Junior Fire Explorers, with a membership base that is ever expanding!

Please utilize our Contact Us tab with any questions or if you need any assistance with our website.

Thank you for your continued support and Enjoy!