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Author: City of Linden

Linden Fire Department 2026 Junior Fire Academy

Registration for the Linden Fire Department’s 2026 Junior Fire Academy will open on March 18, 2026! “The Junior Fire Academy provides an opportunity to educate the recruits about the Linden Fire Department, the services we provide and enlighten them on the possibility of a future career in firefighting,” said Deputy Fire Chief Kevin Brady.

Click here to view and/or download the flyer and application for the Linden Fire Department’s Junior Fire Academy.
Click here to view what your child will learn at the Linden Fire Department Junior Fire Academy.

  • Who: Available to Linden students graduating 7th and 8th grades.
  • What: Linden Fire Department Junior Fire Academy. Learn about the Linden Fire Department and explore a future career in Firefighting! Receive basic training in physical fitness, department operations, fire science, HazMat, first-aid and CPR. Demonstrations include Engine and Ladder Truck Operations, Rope Rescue, Car Extrication, HazMat and more!
  • When: June 23 through June 26, 2026 from 8am until 3pm.
  • How: Applications can either be dropped off at Linden Fire Headquarters or submitted online. Applications are available here, at Fire Headquarters, which is located at 302 South Wood Avenue, or can be completed through the online application below. The deadline for in-person applications is Friday, May 8, 2026 at 3pm and the deadline for online applications is Friday, May 8, 2026 at 11:59pm. Enrollment is on a first-come, first-served basis. Spaces are limited. For more information, contact Captain Jason Iozzi via email, or call 908-474-4550.

Linden Junior Fire Academy

Please fill out the following information to reserve a space in the up-coming Linden Fire Department Junior Fire Academy. Applications do not guarantee participation as spaces are limited. Applications must be filled out in its entirety and submitted no later than May 8, 2026 @ 3:00 PM.

Student Information

Student Name(Required)
Please enter a number from 11 to 16.
Student's Home Address(Required)
Linden’s Junior Fire Academy is for Linden Residents ONLY
T-Shirt Size (Check One):(Required)
Please enter the correct size for your cadet uniform.
Short Size (Check One):(Required)
Please enter the correct size for your cadet uniform.
NOTE: All recruits will be issued two (2) Shirts, two (2) pairs of shorts, and one (1) baseball cap. Recruits are responsible to wear the listed uniform each day of the academy. Please provide an accurate size for your child. Uniform sizes cannot be changed once ordered.
Please include any past or current/pertinent medical history information. If there is none, then please enter “Not applicable.”
Please enter any allergies the applicant has. If there are none, then please enter “Not applicable.”
Please enter any medications that the applicant takes. If there are none, then please enter “Not applicable.”
If none, then please enter “Not applicable.”

Parent and/or Legal Guardian Information

Parent and/or Legal Guardian Name(Required)
Parent and/or Legal Guardian Home Address(Required)
Parent Email Address(Required)
Additional Parent and/or Legal Guardian Name
Additional Parent and/or Legal Guardian Home Address
Parent Email Address
Emergency Contact Name
Emergency Contact Name
Emergency Contact Name

Code of Conduct

There will be no use and/or possession of tobacco products or drugs. Any student found to be in violation of this code will be immediately dismissed. 2. Students are required to arrive at Union County Fire Academy located at 710 Lower Rd. Linden NJ, no later than 7:55 am. Students must be picked up no later than 3:00 pm 3. Students are expected to adhere to academy rules and regulations. 4. Students are required to obey all orders of academy instructors and are not to leave the classroom without expressed permission of the instructor. 5. Should a student become ill or injured, he/she is to report immediately to an instructor. 6. Use of obscene, vulgar, or profane language will not be tolerated. 7. Students will conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times. 8. Students will address instructors as sir or ma’am. Yes/no sir, or yes/no ma’am.

Dress Code

This academy has been developed to give each student the best possible learning experience. Therefore, it is necessary that students present themselves in a neat and well-groomed manner. A uniform consisting of hat, shorts, tee shirt, white socks, and sneakers will be worn at all times. Hair must be neat and not a distraction to other students. Wearing of jewelry is prohibited.

Student Behavioral Conduct

The purpose of this contract is to inform the undersigned student that he/she must comply with the provisions of the Linden Fire Department Junior Fire Academy and to specific terms set forth in this contract. The student understands that due to the nature of this academy, there will be zero tolerance rules in effect. Undesirable conduct, such as horseplay or a violation of the student code of conduct, will result in immediate removal of the student from the academy. This contract is in effect for the safety of all students and to maintain discipline and order. This contract represents an agreement by the student that he/she received a copy of the Code of Conduct and the student agrees to adhere to this code at all times while at the academy.

Release of Liability

I, the undersigned Parent/Guardian below, residing at the address listed above, do hereby give my child permission to attend the Linden Fire Department Junior Fire Academy and in consideration of allowing him/her to participate in the above named program, I voluntarily and knowingly release and discharge the Junior Fire Academy, Linden Fire Department, City of Linden, facilities managers, and all instructors and participants in this program as well as all others who may be liable from all claims, present and future, known or unknown, in any manner arising out of his/her participation in the Linden Fire Department Junior Fire Academy. Participants will have the opportunity to be physically conditioned, including but not limited to daily physical training, and agility course; tour the Linden Fire Department, Union County Fire Academy and will be viewing demonstrations from city and county assets. Recruits will be transported to the Union County Fire Academy in Linden. Applicants will be held to an understanding of a paramilitary rank structure and the Code of Conduct set by the Linden Fire Department. If at any time a recruit is sick, receives an injury, or will not be participating in a scheduled event, the Linden Fire Department shall be contacted, via the Fire Headquarters main desk at (908) 474-8611, at least two (2) hours prior to the scheduled arrival time so that a report may be filed. Failure to comply may result in discharge of the recruit. This hold harmless agreement is a testament to my understanding of the above evidenced by my signature below.

Photograph Release

I grant the Linden Fire Department, its representatives, employees and/or their designee the right to take photographs of me and my property in connection with the Linden Fire Department Junior Fire Academy. I authorize the Linden Fire Department, its assigns and transferees to copyright, use and publish the same in print and/or electronically. I agree that the Linden Fire Department may use such photographs of me with or without my name and for any lawful purpose, including for example such purposes as publicity, illustration, advertising, and Web content.

Hold Harmless Agreement

The undersigned parent/guardian/participant (collectively the "Undersigned”), personally agrees to indemnify and hold harmless, from any and all liability, the County of Union, the Union County Fire Academy, and all of its officers, employees, servants, and agents, for any and all claims, costs and expenses, including reasonable attorney’s fees, resulting from personal injury, or property damage arising from the participant's involvement with event operations at the Union County Fire Academy. The Undersigned, for himself/herself, his/her heirs, executors and administrators, waives, releases and forever discharges any and all rights and claims for damage which he/ she may hereafter accrue arising out of or connected with the participant's involvement in this event. The Undersigned understands there may be physical activity, including participating in fire training exercises and that such activities involve certain risks or personal injury. With the Undersigned's signature on this form, he/she is representing that the participant does not have any health problems or physical limitations that would be affected by participation in such physical activities. The Undersigned understands the event may include a supervised demonstration of a real fire and the techniques used to extinguish the same. By signing this Agreement below, the Undersigned acknowledges and represents he/she has read, understands, and voluntarily signs this Hold Harmless Agreement for full, adequate, and complete consideration fully intending to be bound by the same.

Assumption of the Risk and Waiver of Liability Relating to Coronavirus/COVID-19

The novel coronavirus, COVID-19, has been declared a worldwide pandemic by the World Health Organization. COVID-19 is extremely contagious and is believed to spread mainly from person-to-person contact. Federal, state, and local governments and federal and state health agencies recommend social distancing and have, in many locations, prohibited the congregation of groups of people. The City of Linden Fire Department has put in place preventative measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19; however, the City of Linden Fire Department cannot guarantee that you or your child(ren) will not become infected with COVID-19. Further, attending the City of Linden Fire Department Jr. Fire Academy could increase your risk and your child(ren)’s risk of contracting COVID-19. By signing this agreement, I acknowledge the contagious nature of COVID-19. By signing this agreement, I acknowledge the contagious nature of COVID-19 and voluntarily assume the risk that my child(ren) and I may be exposed to or infected by COVID-19 by attending the City of Linden Fire Department Jr. Fire Academy and that such exposure or infection may result in personal injury, illness, permanent disability, and death. I understand that the risk of becoming exposed to or infected by COVID-19 at the City of Linden Fire Department Jr. Fire Academy may result from the actions, omissions, or negligence of myself and others, including, but not limited to, City of Linden Fire Department employees, volunteers, and program participants and their families. I voluntarily agree to assume all of the foregoing risks and accept sole responsibility for any injury to my child(ren) or myself (including, but not limited to, personal injury, disability, and death), illness, damage, loss, claim, liability, or expense, of any kind, that I or my child(ren) may experience or incur in connection with my child(ren)’s attendance at the City of Linden Fire Department Jr. Fire Academy. On my behalf, and on behalf of my children, I hereby release, covenant not to sue, discharge, and hold harmless the City of Linden Fire Department, its employees, agents, and representatives, of and from the Claims, including all liabilities, claims, actions, damages, costs or expenses of any kind arising out of or relating thereto. I understand and agree that this release includes any Claims based on the actions, omissions, or negligence of the City of Linden Fire Department, its employees, agents, and representatives, whether a COVID-19 infection occurs before, during, or after participation in the Jr. Fire Academy.

Agreement & Consent

Legal Consent(Required)
Authorizing Parent and/or Legal Guardian Name(Required)
The parent and/or legal guardian of the applicant should enter their first and last name.

Notice regarding Compliance with new Requirements for Online Public Notices Changes Effective as of January 1, 2026

The City of Linden website is in compliance with changes regarding the publication requirements for official public notices specified in P.L. 2025, c. 72.

Starting on January 1, 2026, local governments (municipalities, counties, boards of education, and special districts) must publish public notices twice a month through December 31, 2026. The public notice must include the link to the municipality’s webpage for official notices. The notice must include complete text that each legal notice of the local government may be obtained or viewed on the public entity’s official website and provide the hyperlink.

The local City of Linden link to the official public notices page is linden-nj.gov/notices. This same message is also in the City of Linden official Notices page, and will reappear every two weeks in the Notices page throughout 2026, as per the requirements specified in P.L. 2025, c. 72.

The notices must also include a hyperlink to the Secretary of State’s public notice webpage. Currently that hyperlink is not available as the Secretary of State has until March 1, 2026, to establish the website. The new law took into account that the State’s webpage may not be available by January 1 and includes language that until the Secretary of State’s legal notices webpage is available a local government will be deemed to satisfy this new requirement as long as they published a notice with the local government link.

The City of Linden will continue to monitor the status of the Secretary of State’s public notice webpage and will provide the link once it is available.

Starting on March 1, 2026, local governments must publish their legal notices on their official websites. This, however, does not prohibit local governments from using print publications in addition to publishing notices on their official websites. A municipality may publish legal notices in a print or online newspaper if they choose, but they still must publish them on their municipal website. If a local unit uses an online news publication, it must prominently display a hyperlink on its website to the online news publication. Online newspapers must publish any legal notices they receive within 24 hours of receipt.

When the City of Linden publishes notices in print publications, that publication will also include the official City of Linden notices link, which is linden-nj.gov/notices.

The local government’s official website must be accessible, free of charge, with the items conspicuously placed on the website. Notices must be displayed for at least one week, or other time period as required by law, before transferring the notice to the archive. The notices must be archived for at least one year. The archive is not subject to the records retention schedule established by the State Records Committee or the Destruction of Public Records law. 

As per P.L. 2025, c. 72, notices published will always remain active for at least one week or other time period as required by law before transferring the notice to the archive. Archives will be saved for at least one full year.

City of Linden – Notice to Bidders; Addendum No. 1 Released for Stormwater Downchute Restorations Project

Addendum No. 1 – Notice to Bidders

The City of Linden (City) has issued this Addendum No. 1 for the Stormwater Downchute Restorations Project. All bidders must submit the Acknowledgement of Receipt of Addenda form. Failure to submit the Acknowledgement of Receipt of Addenda form is a mandatory cause for the bid to be rejected (N.J.S.A. 40A:11-23.2).

Addendum No. 1 does not change the original sealed bid submission date (Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at 10:00 A.M.), at which time the sealed bids will be opened by the City. This Addendum No. 1 includes the following sections:

  • Changes to the Contract Documents
  • Changes to the Contract Drawings
  • Questions at the Pre-Bid Conference
  • Questions Submitted by Potential Bidders
  • Pre-Bid Conference Minutes

Cybersecurity Advisory for Linden Residents – Tax Collector Scams

With tax season underway, we have observed a significant increase in tax-related phishing and vishing (voice phishing) campaigns over the past month. In these schemes, cybercriminals exploit legitimate cloud services to host malicious files designed to install sophisticated malware; specifically, a Remote Access Trojan (RAT). Once deployed, this malware grants threat actors persistent remote access to infected devices, enabling them to steal sensitive data and even deploy ransomware.

We have also received reports of fraudulent outbound phone calls in which scammers impersonate representatives from Tax Collector offices. To help protect Linden residents, it is important to understand exactly how our office operates.

How Our Office Communicates with You

Please be advised: the City of Linden’s Tax Collector’s office will never demand immediate payment over the phone. There are, however, specific circumstances where we may need to reach out to you directly. These calls generally occur when a property is in danger of having a lien placed due to non-payment, or when we encounter an issue with a recent payment, for example, if a check was returned due to account restrictions, if the payment amount was short, or if the check was filled out incorrectly.

In these instances, a legitimate representative from our office will always do the following:

  • Clearly identify themselves by name.
  • State that they are calling from the City of Linden Tax Collector’s office.
  • Explain the specific issue with your account.
  • Advise you to come into our office in person to resolve the matter. We will never demand an immediate payment method over the phone.

How to Protect Yourself

If you receive an unsolicited call from someone claiming to be from our office, hang up immediately. Do not engage, and do not provide any personal or financial information.

  • If the call is legitimate: The caller will instruct you to visit our office. You can then verify the issue in person.
  • If the call is a scam: The caller may attempt to pressure you for payment. Remember, we will never demand payment on the spot.

To verify the status of your account or report the call, always and only contact the City’s Tax Collector’s Department directly using the official phone numbers here.

It is also critical to note that threat actors are now recording victims’ voices during these calls. These recordings can be used to generate AI-powered voice clones to impersonate you in future scams. This is an emerging tactic that can be combatted by ending any suspicious call immediately without engaging the caller.

Always remember the following.

  • Avoid clicking links, responding to, or acting on unsolicited text messages.
  • Confirm requests from senders via contact information obtained from verified and official sources.
  • Report fraudulent activity to the Linden Police Department, to the NJCCIC, FTC, and FBI’s IC3, and forward the message to 7726 (SPAM).

Storm Update – Ordinance 60-4 Enforcement

As per Ordinance Number 60-4, Linden residents are normally required to remove snow from sidewalks within six (6) hours after any snowfall.

Due to the magnitude of the February 23rd blizzard, Mayor Derek Armstead has announced that this ordinance will not be enforced until Wednesday morning, February 25, 2026. This will give residents an additional twenty four (24) hours to ensure that all snow is properly removed from sidewalks.

Storm Update – Statewide Travel Ban Extended

Statewide travel ban extended until 12pm on Monday, February 23, 2026. Blizzard conditions continue through mid-afternoon.

The New Jersey State travel ban has been extended because road conditions are extremely dangerous. Please comply and stay home! Blizzard conditions, including high winds and reduced visibility, will continue until the late afternoon hours.
 
High winds and heavy snow may lead to downed wires and power outages. Please charge your devices and take appropriate precautions. Non-emergency utility problems or outages should be reported directly using the contact points below:

  • PSE&G – 1(800) 436-7734
  • Elizabethtown Gas – 1(800) 242-5830
  • New Jersey American Water – 1(800) 272-1325
  • Comcast – 1(800) 266-2278
  • Verizon FiOS – 1(888) 438-3467
  • Verizon – 1(800) 827-4966

As always, please reserve 9-1-1 for EMERGENCIES ONLY. Thank you for your continued cooperation.

Storm Update – Modified DPW Schedule & Closures

There has been no change in the latest forecast. Blizzard conditions, including high winds and reduced visibility, will continue through midday tomorrow, Monday February 23, 2026. Snow accumulations of 18-24″ are expected. A State of Emergency remains in effect for our area. As a result, the following activities will be affected for Monday, February 23, 2026:

  • Linden City services, including the Recycling Center and DPW Trash Drop-off site, will be closed. Non-essential employees should remain home.
  • Linden Public Schools will be closed.
  • Alternate side of the street parking rules are suspended on Mon. They will remain in effect for the remainder of the week.
  • Recycling collection has been postponed. A modified schedule for the week is listed below.

DPW Modified Schedule

District 1, 2, 3, 9, & 10

  • Bottles & Cans – Tuesday, 2/24
  • Garbage – Thursday 2/26

Districts 4, 5, 6, 7 & 8

  • Bottles & Cans – Wednesday 2/25
  • Garbage – Friday 2/27
  • Trash will be collected in District 8 on Wednesday, 2/25.

Thank you for your continued cooperation.

New Jersey State Police Issue Travel Restriction

West Trenton, N.J. – The New Jersey Office of Emergency Management under the Division of the New Jersey State Police have issued a mandatory travel restriction beginning 9:00 pm on Sunday, February 22, 2026, and ending 7:00 am on Monday, February 23, 2026, in response to a major winter storm expected to bring heavy snow, blizzard conditions, and strong winds across the state.

Governor Sherrill declared a State of Emergency on Saturday, February 21, 2026, effective Sunday, February 22, 2026, at 12:00 pm, to protect public safety and ensure timely snow removal and emergency response.

Travel Restriction Details:

  • All non-exempt vehicles are prohibited from operating on state, county, municipal, and interstate roadways during this period.
  • The New Jersey Turnpike is exempt from this restriction.
  • Violators may face penalties under state law.

Exemptions:

The travel restriction does not apply to:

  • Emergency and public safety vehicles and personnel
  • Public works and snow removal crews
  • Public transportation vehicles and personnel
  • Government officials conducting official business
  • Utility company vehicles and personnel
  • Healthcare workers and urgent medical travel
  • Personnel supporting emergency shelter operations and human services facilities
  • Delivery of critical medical supplies and services to healthcare facilities
  • News media
  • Private snow removal contractors
  • Patients seeking urgent critical care and their escorts
  • Travel necessary to maintain critical infrastructure and essential services, including energy, fuel, food, pharmacies, and hardware stores
  • Personnel supporting airline and airport operations

This measure is intended to safeguard lives and allow emergency and utility crews to clear roads and restore essential services as quickly as possible.

Important Blizzard Parking Information

Mayor Derek Armstead, in cooperation with Linden Public Schools, will open municipal and school parking lots to help residents with parking challenges during the Monday, February 23, 2026 Winter Storm.

Beginning at 12pm on Sunday, February 22, 2026, Linden residents may park their vehicles in the following locations free of charge.

  • School No. 1 – 728 N Wood Ave
  • School No. 2 – 1700 S Wood Ave
  • School No. 4 – 1602 Dill Ave
  • School No. 5 – 1014 Bower St
  • School No. 6 – 19 E Morris Ave
  • School No. 8 – 500 W Blancke St
  • School No. 9 – 1401 Deerfield Terr
  • School No. 10 – 2801 Highland Ave
  • McManus Middle School – 300 Edgewood Rd
  • Soehl Middle School – 300 E Henry St
  • Linden High School – 121 West Saint Georges Ave
  • Linden Academy of Excellence (old St. Elizabeth’s School) – 170 Hussa St
  • E Blancke St (CVS) parking lot
  • E Elm St parking lot – 28 E Elm St
  • Knopf St parking lot – 14 Knopf St
  • Linden Library – 31 E Henry St
  • Linden Multi-purpose Center – 1025 John St
  • Linden PAL Fields – Lower Rd
  • Linden Train Station (both sides) – 2 S Wood Ave
  • Memorial Field – 46 Lower Rd
  • Wheeler Park – 234 W Stimpson Ave
  • 7th ward Rec Center – 2907 Tremley Point Rd 
  • 8th Ward Rec Center – 2199 Bedle Pl
  • Sinai Christian Academy (Old School #3) – 2301 Grier Ave

Parking is available in MARKED PARKING SPACES ONLY on a first come – first served basis. VEHICLES MUST BE REMOVED FROM THESE AREAS WITHIN 4 HOURS AFTER SNOW STOPS. Vehicles that are not removed in accordance with guidance will be towed at the owners expense.

This is a potentially historic storm, and your cooperation is essential to our efforts during and following the storm.