N.J. Stat. § 40A:14-31
In any municipality wherein there is a fire patrol or protective association organized pursuant to the provisions of chapter 9, Title 15 of the Revised Statutes, such fire patrol or protective association upon its discontinuance may grant or donate to the said municipality their lands, buildings, apparatus and equipment or any part thereof. Upon acquisition the municipality may operate same as part of the fire department. In the event of a gift and acceptance thereof by the municipality any or all of the personnel of such fire patrol or protective association may be employed by the municipality but they shall not be entitled to tenure or benefits established as a municipal or department pension or retirement system unless they are qualified in accordance with the provisions specified in the law governing such pension or retirement system. Upon the acquisition of any or all of the lands, buildings, apparatus and equipment of such fire patrol or protective association and the employment of any or all of the personnel thereof, the governing body of said municipality, by ordinance, may create and regulate a subdivision in its fire department to be known as the salvage company. The governing body of the municipality may provide for the employment of such personnel but only in the divisions or bureaus of the fire department. The governing body of the municipality, if they shall deem it necessary, may assign any member of the fire department to the salvage company but said member shall retain his then existing status and rights as a member of the fire department.
N.J.S. § 40A:14-31