The Bureau of Fire Prevention is under the supervision of the Fire Marshal. The Deputy Fire Marshal is responsible for Fire Lane Enforcement in addition to performing inspections. One paid Fire Inspector also works out of the Fire Marshal's Office to perform inspections and investigations. Many of our members also maintain fire inspector certification. By knowing what is in the N.J. Uniform Fire Code, all personnel, both career and volunteer, are able to help educate the public about fire prevention matters.
For the investigation of fires and complaints, personnel from the Bureau of Fire Prevention are on call 24 hours a day on a rotating duty schedule. We currently have 10 career members trained to do fire investigations. For over 18 years, Robert A. Burkhardt Jr. has served his community as a firefighter with the Deptford Fire Department.
Starting as a Junior Member with the Union Fire Company of Blackwood Terrace, Robert moved through the ranks to become a career firefighter in 1996. While serving a career firefighter, he worked at all of the township fire stations which improved his knowledge of the town. As Robert continued his fireservice education, he became more involved with the inspection process and the investigation of fire, In August of 2004, he was assigned the Bureau of Fire Prevention where he currently serves as Fire Marshal for the Township.
Robert is a New Jersey certified Level II Fire Instructor and spends many hours instructing new recruits at the Gloucester County Fire Academy . He has trained his dog, "Marshal" to be the first Accelerant Detection Canine in Deptford to assist in the investigation of incendiary fires. Marshal is Robert’s full-time partner.
When he isn’t inspecting, investigating or fighting fire, he enjoys spending time with his family and participating in township sports. He receives pleasure by giving back to the community. He is a certified coach through Rutgers University and he coaches as variety of sports such as Football, Baseball and Soccer. In addition, he coaches a street hockey league for ages 5 to 8 years, on at the YMCA in Woodbury. Robert believes that the only way to change the future is to invest time in the children.
Robert and his son, Bobby, reside in the Almonesson section of Deptford Township .
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