1. a. The governing body of any municipality, by ordinance, may provide for the appointment of one or more chaplains to the paid or part-paid fire department and force of the municipality. Any person so appointed to qualify shall be an ordained clergyman in good standing in the religious body from which the person is selected. The chaplains shall become members of the municipal paid or part-paid fire department and force with the rank of battalion chief. Their salaries shall be fixed by the governing body of the municipality and payable in the same manner as in the case of the other paid members of the fire department and force.

b. A municipal fire department and force chaplain employed on the effective date of P.L.2023 c.151 (C. 40A:14-24) shall not be dismissed or reduced in compensation except for reasons of economy or efficiency, incapacity, or conduct unbecoming such a chaplain or other just cause as determined by the municipal governing body.

c. A municipal fire department and force chaplain initially appointed after the effective date of P.L.2023 c.151 (C. 40A:14-24), shall become a member of the municipal paid or part-paid fire department and force with or without the rank and salary as specified in the ordinance. A chaplain’s rank, salary, and benefits, if any, shall be determined by the governing body of the municipality.

L.1971, c. 197, s. 1, eff. July 1, 1971; amended 2023, c.151.