Kean Secures Reinstated Non-Profit Status for Flemington Fire Department
(April 21, 2025) Flemington, NJ – Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) announced today that, after persistent advocacy from his office, the Flemington Fire Department has officially regained its non-profit status from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
Former Chief and President Robert Motzel contacted the Congressman’s office seeking help with a years-long effort to reinstate the Fire Department’s tax-exempt status. Despite prior attempts to resolve the issue through other channels, the Department had faced repeated delays and setbacks. Thanks to the sustained efforts of Congressman Kean and his casework team, the IRS notified the Department in April 2025 that its non-profit status had finally been restored.
The Flemington Fire Department, a 100% volunteer organization serving the Borough of Flemington and the surrounding communities since 1842, first lost its non-profit designation due to a clerical error. The resulting six-year delay—including during the COVID-19 pandemic—severely impacted the Department’s ability to secure vital grants, loans, and matching funds. These limitations hindered the Department’s capacity to purchase critical first responder equipment and maintain operations.
“I am pleased that we have secured a long-overdue victory for the Flemington Fire Department,” said Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. “This organization has served its community with honor and dedication for over 175 years, and the restoration of its non-profit status will ensure it can continue protecting residents with the resources it needs. I applaud the brave men and women of the Department for their unwavering service, and I’m grateful my office could play a role in delivering this critical result.”
“I’d just like to say thank you in assisting us in the process. I thought this issue would never ever get resolved,” said Former Chief Robert Motzel. “I have to say, this is such a huge relief for the dedicated volunteers of Flemington Fire Department and our community. Knowing our congressional liaisons like you and representatives like Congressman Kean Jr. are truly helping their constituents is very much appreciated and does not go unnoticed.”
“Our volunteers fire department is critical to Flemington Borough,” said Flemington Mayor Marcia Karrow. “Congressman Kean’s help in reinstating their charitable not for profit status is key in their ability to apply for important grants for fire fighting equipment that both save lives and taxpayers dollars. The Borough is very grateful for his assistance.”
Since opening in January 2023, Congressman Kean’s office has closed over 3,500 constituent cases, helping return more than $18 million to residents of New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District.
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