FIRE COMPANY PRESIDENT

Rachel Mitzelman moved up the ranks and is the first female to serve as president of the Freehold Township Independent Company No. 1

BY MATTHEW SOCKOL

Nine months into her tenure, the first female president of the Freehold Township Independent Fire Company No. 1 has been up to the challenge.

Rachel Mitzelman was installed as president for 2022 during the fire company’s installation dinner in January.

“I can confidently say that my presidency over the last nine months has been nothing short of a challenge, but not one that I’ve felt incapable of handling,” Mitzelman said. “The more time I’ve spent in this role, the more I’ve begun to understand and learn about the company I serve.”

The Freehold Township Independent Fire Company No. 1 is one of two fire companies in Freehold Township. The fire company serves the area west of Route 9. The area east of Route 9 in Freehold Township is served by the East please see FIRE, page 13

Freehold Fire Company No. 2.

Mitzelman has lived in Freehold Township for 23 years. She began her emergency medical services (EMS) career in 2011 after she turned 16.

Mitzelman joined Freehold EMS, which serves residents of Freehold Township and Freehold Borough.

“I saw a sign outside the municipal building advertising that members were needed, and I joined as soon as I was of age,” she said. “I started out by becoming an emergency medical technician (EMT) and realized quickly that I had a passion for being on the ambulance and helping people.”

After a few years, Mitzelman advanced her EMS career by becoming a paramedic. That designation allowed her to work closely with local fire departments and she eventually joined the Freehold Township Independent Fire Company No. 1.

“I instantly fell in love with being a firefighter and giving back to my hometown in a different way,” she said. “Within my first year in the fire company, I was ‘Firefighter 1’ certified and became the secretary. I slowly worked my way up the executive chain to vice president and eventually president.”

Mitzelman credited her brother, Christopher Norton, as one of her biggest influences. He was an EMT with Freehold EMS and a firefighter with Freehold Township Independent Fire Company No. 1 before her.

“I am incredibly proud to have been elected as the president of Freehold Township Independent Fire Company No. 1, not only because I am the first female, but being the president in general is an incredible accomplishment,” Mitzelman said.

“It means a great deal to me that my brothers and sisters in the department trust me with this responsibility and have afforded me the opportunity to represent them.

“It has been an honor and privilege to serve my hometown in the ways I have been able to over the last 10 years. I have worked incredibly hard to achieve all that I have in that time and will continue to work hard in order to keep serving to the best of my abilities,” she said.

“I want to convey through my efforts that with hard work and dedication anything can be achieved. I never would have believed I was capable of accomplishing half the things I have when it comes to my time in emergency services until I started working toward them.

“The fact that this industry is predominantly male-dominated has never once intimidated me or prevented me from doing just as much, if not more than anyone else. I want to express to any young women who may read this that they are capable of far more than they believe they are, and I hope I am able to provide some shred of proof of that,” Mitzelman said. to donate to charitable organizations and increased the number of volunteer firefighters.

Although still working full-time as a paramedic and part-time as an educator, Mitzelman said she prioritizes the fire company. She acknowledged facing difficult decisions, but described witnessing growth in the department and praised the fire company’s support system of executive board members, commissioners, operational officers and members of the body for their help.

“Through our own financial growth, we have been able to give back to the community in many ways,” she said. “I have watched this department grow throughout the course of the year to a now total of 60 active volunteer firefighters who have answered over 600 calls, including multiple structure fires, motor vehicle accidents and other emergencies.

“One thing that Freehold Township Independent Fire Company No. 1 can pride itself on is our incredible community outreach,” she said.

During the year, Mitzelman described how the fire department has interacted with the community through the annual Santa Run, National Night Out, fire prevention events at local schools and hosting visits for local Girl Scout troops.

“I believe I have assisted in facilitating a lot of necessary changes as president and that is something that I take pride in,” she said. “As an elected leader, it has become my responsibility to ensure that my choices are in the best interest of the company.

“Luckily for me, I have a strong support system behind me,” Mitzelman continued. “Not only have they been there for me throughout the year, but [they] have not allowed the fact that I am a woman to have any bearing on my leadership abilities. Despite being faced with adversity, I have seen this department thrive in many aspects.”

Mitzelman noted that the fire company has received over $100,000 in donations this year, which has allowed the company

“I am incredibly proud to have been elected to lead an organization such as this one and would like to believe I have made a positive impact,” Mitzelman said. “I am thankful for the efforts of the membership and their continued support. If the fire company has taught me anything it is that I am capable of things I never thought that I was.

“I am a firm believer that leadership is not title or rank, it is influencing those around you in a positive way,” she said. “I am hopeful that through my efforts I can set an example, especially for young women, that you are capable of anything you set your mind to.” 

PHOTOS BY JAMIE GIAMBRONE

Rachel Mitzelman is a paramedic and a firefighter. She worked her way up the executive chain to vice president and eventually now president of the Freehold Township Independent Company No. 1. She is the first female to serve in the position.