Fire Department & EMS
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Fire Chief
Alex Coulter
609-884-9512
acoulter@capemaycity.com
Deputy Fire Chief
Mike Eck
609-884-9513
meck@capemaycity.com
Location
712 Franklin Street
Cape May,
NJ
08204
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City of Cape May Fire Department

The Cape May Fire Department is a combination department consisting of career and volunteer personnel. We provide the fire and technical rescue protection at all incidents in the City of Cape May. The Cape May Fire Department also provides the first due engine company for parts of the island that include sections of Lower Township. We are the Rapid Intervention Crew for Station 61 Townbank VFC , We provide emergency medical services for Cape May, West Cape May, Cape May Point and civilians on the U. S Coast Guard Training Center.  Off Duty and volunteer members are called to duty on all box fire alarms and when an additional ambulance is requested, stretching the career staff to capacity.

The career staff are all members of International Association of Fire Fighters Local 3495. Career members are trained in many technical rescue capabilities. These rescue skills include:

  •  Surf rescue
  •  Swift water rescue
  •  Ice rescue
  •  Hi angle rescue
  •  Confined space rescue
  •  Hazardous material
  •  Structural collapse
  •  Vehicle extrication

Many of the career staff are certified fire instructors as well as have training in fire cause and investigation.

The Cape May Fire Department protects the city with four BLS ambulances, one engine, one squad,  a tower ladder, a medium duty rescue truck, a 4x4 utility vehicle, a chief and deputy chief vehicle, a five ton military surplus flood truck and a sixteen foot aluminum boat for flooding.

The U.S. Coast Guard Fire Department Station 59 supplies an engine and West Cape May VFC supplies a ladder company on all first alarm assignments and target hazard responses. The Erma VFC Station 62 provides the rapid intervention crew for Cape May. Second alarm assignments to the City of Cape May bring an Engine from Station 61 Townbank, a squad from Station 60 Villas VFC and a quint (ladder) from Station 72 Rio Grande VFC. A third alarm assignment will bring to Cape May an engine from Station 73 Green Creek VFC, a squad from Station 4 Wildwood Crest and a quint (ladder) from Station 3 Wildwood FD. The CMC Fire Coordinator is dispatched once a second alarm has been sounded to assist with additional apparatus and personnel staging.

The Cape May Fire Department is pleased to announce an important upgrade to our Knox Box rapid entry system. Effective immediately, we are transitioning from the standard key-secure Knox Box system to the advanced Knox E-Key system. This upgrade represents a significant enhancement in security, accountability, and emergency response capabilities for our community.

 What is Changing?
The Cape May Fire Department will now utilize electronic Knox E-Keys instead of traditional mechanical keys to access Knox Boxes throughout the city. This modern system provides superior protection for your property while maintaining our ability to respond quickly and effectively during emergencies.

Benefits of the E-Key System

Enhanced Security

  • Electronic access eliminates risks associated with lost or copied physical keys
  • Each access is electronically logged with date, time, and user identification
  • Unauthorized access attempts are immediately detected and recorded
  • Two factor authentication for key utilization

Improved Accountability

  • Real-time tracking of key access
  • Enhanced oversight ensures proper use of the system

System Reliability

  • E-Keys are more durable and weather-resistant than traditional keys
  • Reduced maintenance and replacement costs
  • Integration with modern fire department technology platforms 

What You Need to Know

If you currently have a Knox Box:

  • No action is required on your part
  • Your existing Knox Box will continue to function properly
  • The E-Key system is compatible with current Knox Box installations
  • You do not need to purchase a new box or make any modifications

If you are considering purchasing a Knox Box:

  • Only Knox Boxes compatible with the E-Key system will be available for purchase moving forward
  • Visit the Knox Company website at www.knoxbox.com to view available E-Key compatible models
  • Contact the Cape May Fire Department for assistance with selection and installation guidance 

Why Knox Boxes Matter
Knox Boxes provide secure, authorized access to your property during emergencies when immediate entry is critical and no one is available to unlock doors. This prevents costly forced entry damage while ensuring our firefighters and emergency medical personnel can reach those in need without delay. The upgrade to E-Keys strengthens this vital program while protecting your investment.

Questions or Additional Information
For questions about the E-Key system transition, Knox Box purchases, or installation requirements, please contact:
Cape May Fire Department
1-609-884-9512

We appreciate your continued partnership in maintaining Cape May's high standards for fire safety and emergency preparedness. This upgrade demonstrates our commitment to utilizing the most advanced tools available to protect our community.