Chris Vaz is a lifelong Seaside Heights resident with over four decades of involvement with the local fire service, having joined as a junior firefighter at 14 years old.

One memory has stuck with him his entire life. Vaz recalls a particularly disastrous fire on the boardwalk that his father responded to as a member of the Seaside Heights Fire Department.

“It was a really bad fire,” he said. “My mother took my sister and me to the scene because she was so worried about my father.”

The situation was eventually resolved and Vaz’s father managed to remain unscathed. This memory, Vaz claims, was a huge factor in his eventual decision to become a volunteer firefighter.

Vaz believes it was his father’s involvement with the Seaside Heights Fire Department that initially sparked his interest in joining one day.

“I just have lots of memories of him putting his clothes on, putting his shoes on and running out the door,” he said.

Vaz went on to build a lifelong connection with the fire company. Today, at 58, he is still heavily involved with the fire department. Though his responsibilities have changed over the years, Vaz remains an active volunteer firefighter and serves as the department’s drone operator. He still has the same appreciation for the fire department 44 years later.

“There’s a very special fondness in my heart for my fire company. I was a junior when I was 14 years old. I’m going to be 59 in a week,” he said.

From Firefighter to Borough Administrator

Vaz has also served as the Borough Administrator for 12 years. Though this position entails a variety of responsibilities, Vaz has no trouble balancing his administrative role with his position as a volunteer firefighter. In fact, he believes he can completely compartmentalize both roles when the time is appropriate.

“When that call comes in, I am nobody’s boss. I am nobody’s manager. I am an equal. I am a firefighter,” he said. “I take orders from the line officers just like everybody else.”

Vaz believes that his role as administrator benefits him in his role as a volunteer firefighter.

“Since I’m active with the fire department, I know what the fire company needs. I know how they spend their money,” he said. “I’m really in a supportive role with the budget.”

Vaz believes that the most rewarding part of his involvement with the fire company is the rapport amongst the fellow volunteers, and the bond which has been created.

Interested in becoming a volunteer? There’s a role for you: firefighter, ocean rescue, fire police and more. Visit joinseasideheights.org to get started today. All gear and training are free.