N.J. Stat. § 40A:14-14
Any person who has been, or shall be, appointed as a member or officer of the paid or part-paid fire department or force while serving in the armed services of the United States, and who has been, or shall be, delayed in qualifying and becoming a member of such paid or part-paid fire department or force as a result of such service and who shall qualify and become a member or officer of such paid or part-paid fire department or force within 6 months after an honorable discharge or release under conditions other than dishonorable from such service, shall be considered for the purpose of determining his years of service, rank, grade, increase in pay or any other rights or benefits, as having become a qualified member of such department or force as of the date of his appointment.
N.J.S. § 40A:14-14