Knox, Knox: firefighters in Millstone want boxes
Safety devices cost between $79 and $325
BY JENNIFER KOHLHEPP
Staff Writer

MILLSTONE - The township is considering introducing an ordinance that would require commercial structures to implement the use of the Knox-Box Rapid Entry System.

Many fire departments across the country have been successful in getting their respective municipalities to pass ordinances to help implement a public safety Knox-Box program. The boxes are devices specifically designed to help firefighters gain rapid entry into buildings during emergencies.

More than 9,000 fire departments nationwide use the boxes, according to the official Knox-Box Web site.

A property owner stores keys in his or her Knox-Box, which is mounted near the entrance of a building. The fire department has a master key to gain access into the box in the event of an emergency.

Knox-Boxes are purchased by the property owner and can cost between $79 and $325. The cheapest Knox-Box is a padlock box that stores one key in it. The more expensive boxes can hold multiple keys and access cards, and the larger boxes can store site plans and other items. Some Knox-Boxes can be linked up to alarm systems while others cannot.

Committeeman Ramin Dilfanian, who is also the township's liaison to the fire department, said he believes a Knox-Box ordinance is a good thing for the township to have.

"It saves a lot of time and a lot of wear and tear," Dilfanian said, "and allows the firemen to get the job done quicker and to be where they need to be in a faster way."

With the Knox-Box system, the fire department would not have to wait for a property owner to unlock the door in the event of an emergency. The box also prevents firefighters from having to force a door open to gain entry, according to Dilfanian.

Committeeman Steven Sico said if the township's Board of Fire Commissioners supports having such an ordinance, then he would support the board's position.

"We should get the ordinance together for the next meeting," he said.

Resident Gary Mangino asked the Township Committee to further research having such an ordinance, as he said that the use of Knox-Boxes in some areas has caused trouble for business owners. For instance, according to Mangino, the boxes have provided easier access into buildings to people who should not have been there.