Passaic Weighs Firefighter Parking Enforcement

A proposed ordinance would let up to 20 uniformed firefighters issue tickets and arrange towing for hydrant and fire lane violations.

Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Law Enforcement

Passaic Weighs Firefighter Parking Enforcement

Live Poll

Should firefighters be allowed to ticket blocked fire hydrants in your city?

Passaic City Council advanced a proposed ordinance on first reading on October 20 that would allow up to 20 uniformed firefighters to be appointed as parking enforcement officers. The measure follows a June 18 letter from Fire Chief Patrick Trentacost reporting that parked vehicles blocked three hydrants during a second-alarm fire on Market Street.

Why it matters

Fire Chief Patrick Trentacost reported that blocked hydrants delayed firefighting operations at the Market Street fire, and he described encountering such blockages throughout the city daily. For Passaic residents, the proposal would change who can cite illegally parked vehicles near hydrants and fire lanes.

The proposed ordinance advanced on first reading on October 20 and faces a public hearing and final vote on November 5. Proposed fines are $100 for a first offense, $250 for a second and $500 for subsequent offenses, though final adoption remains pending.

The players

Patrick Trentacost

Passaic's fire chief, who reported the blocked hydrants that delayed firefighting at the Market Street fire and has raised the broader problem of hydrant obstruction citywide.

Hector Lora

The mayor of Passaic, who received the fire chief's June 18 letter about blocked hydrants and serves as the city's chief executive.

Passaic City Council

The governing legislative body of Passaic that advanced the proposed ordinance on first reading and will hold the final vote on November 5.

The details

Under the proposal, firefighters could issue tickets and arrange towing for violations involving hydrants, fire lanes and fire department connections, with authority limited to specified fire-related parking violations. Appointed firefighters would be required to meet qualification and training requirements before enforcing the rules.

June 18: Fire Chief Patrick Trentacost sent a letter to Mayor Hector Lora reporting blocked hydrants at the Market Street fire.
October 20: Passaic City Council advanced the ordinance on first reading.
November 5: A public hearing and final vote on the ordinance are scheduled.

Legal Context

Passaic's proposal extends municipal parking enforcement by giving uniformed firefighters, rather than police or civilian meter staff, authority to issue tickets and arrange towing. The ordinance is framed around fire-safety violations specifically, limiting enforcement to hydrants, fire lanes and fire department connections.

Residents who park near hydrants could face tickets, fines of $100 or more, and towing arranged by firefighters if the ordinance is adopted. Drivers would need to keep vehicles at least 10 feet from any fire hydrant to avoid citation.

The takeaway

Keeping at least 10 feet clear of fire hydrants and fire lanes is the simplest way to avoid citation and to keep firefighting access open. Residents should check the November 5 council agenda for any changes before the final vote.

What happens next

The City Council will hold a public hearing and final vote on the ordinance on November 5, after which it would take effect upon final passage and publication as required by law.