NJ A4495

Municipal emergency management coordinators gain authority to request assistance from volunteer first aid squads, ambulance services, rescue squads, fire departments, and police departments in other municipalities during emergencies

Designees of chief executive officers of volunteer first aid, ambulance, and rescue squads may now make or respond to mutual aid requests on behalf of their organizations

Emergency management personnel and volunteers receive the same injury and death benefit protections as police, fire, and first aid responders when assisting outside their normal jurisdiction, including salary, pension rights, and workers' compensation

Municipalities may enter reciprocal agreements for mutual emergency management assistance, in addition to existing provisions for mutual police and fire aid

Reimbursement rates for mutual aid remain at $3 per member per hour and $35 per equipped fire apparatus or $5 per police vehicle per hour unless otherwise specified in inter-municipal agreements