The year 200 saw the department take delivery of it second thermal imaging camera. Ventnor was the first area department - and one of the first in the state - to acquire a camera in 1998. This allows one camera to be housed on both sides of the bridge.

The cameras aid in search and rescue along with determining hotspots after the main body of the fire has been extinguished. This camera was provided from the State at no cost to the citizens. This makes the entire department feel better after the State audit applied outdated data to recommend a cut in personnel when they performed an audit in the city, and then failed to appear for the public presentation.

  Learn more about Thermal Imaging Cameras

The Department also switched to an 800 MGH radio system. This allows for better operation of department radios and increases the safety of both personnel and citizens.

The Ventnor City Fire Department has become a state certified training center. This allows new recruits to become certified in-house with a limited amount of time spent away from the city. For the first time in the history of the VCFD, there is a departmental training officer on staff.

In 2001, the Department received two Federal FEMA grants. Ventnor City was the only department in the state to receive two grants. The grants amounted to over $50,000 and the money was used to upgrade uniforms and equipment.

The VCFD along with CHANNEL 6 WPVI, continues to maintain its Smoke Detector Program for elderly and needy citizens. Smoke detectors are supplied and installed free of charge by the firefighters of the Department. To obtain a detector or for further information, you may call the Department at 822-7942