Four N.J. firefighters censured for ‘self-deployment’ to help after Sandy

Four Manville, New Jersey, firefighters have taken heat for traveling to assist a harder-hit region of the state in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.

At least one of the volunteer firemen has been relieved of his duties.

The four firefighters from the north-central Jersey drove to Toms River following the hurricane to lend a hand to the East Dover Fire Company.

The fire chief did not reprimand them for their volunteerism, said Manville emergency manager Ken Otrimski.

The issue was one of following procedure. “Then everything is put on paper and everyone is accounted for,” he said.

Emergency requests for assistance typically travel between county officials. The state has a law against firefighters “self-deploying.”

Toms River sustained several million dollars of damage, mostly from wind and falling trees.

The firefighter who was let go was a Toms River native.