08/03/2026
Please join us in congratulating Firefighter James “Jimmy” McKinney on his retirement from active service with the Carteret Fire Department. Firefighter McKinney’s retirement became effective on July 1, 2026.
Firefighter McKinney began his fire service career as a volunteer with Carteret Volunteer Fire Company #2, serving for six years before being hired as a career member of the Carteret Fire Department on February 19, 2001. Throughout his distinguished career, he served as our union Treasurer for more than a decade.
Most recently assigned to Tour 4, Firefighter McKinney spent much of his career assigned to Engine 4, Truck 5, and Ladder 1 while stationed at Headquarters, and Engine 3 and Engine 2 while assigned to West Carteret.
Over the years, Firefighter McKinney earned numerous certifications, including EMT-B, Hazardous Materials Operations Technician and Specialist, Fire Inspector, and Advanced Fire Fighting Foam through the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX). He was also a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician and Scott Air-Pak SCBA Technician.
His dedication and bravery were recognized through numerous awards and commendations, including the NJFMBA Gold Medal of Valor (2012), Saint Barnabas Valor Award (2012), Carteret Knights of Columbus and District #70 Fire Shield of the Year (2017), NJFMBA Group Effort Fire Award (2025), Middlesex County 200 Club Valor Award, and Carteret Fire Department Firefighter of the Year on three separate occasions. He was also recognized as a Superstorm Sandy Responder and received numerous additional departmental awards and citations throughout his career.
During his service, Firefighter McKinney responded to countless significant incidents, including fires at Kinder Morgan Terminal and Insurance Auto Auctions, multiple train derailments, numerous structure fires, motor vehicle accidents, and extrications throughout Carteret and along the New Jersey Turnpike. He also answered mutual aid calls to assist neighboring departments and spent multiple days straight at the firehouse during Superstorm Sandy. He was awarded the NJFMBA Gold Medal of Valor for his heroic actions in saving a life during the Kinder Morgan terminal fire.
Beyond emergency response, Jimmy left a lasting impact on our firehouses and our Union. His electrical expertise helped improve and maintain countless aspects of our facilities. Whether replacing light fixtures, repairing motors, troubleshooting equipment, or lending a hand with any project, he was always among the first to step up. After more than 25 years in the firehouse, he never quite became the chef, but he was always there to help, lend a hand, or simply keep the cook company. Most importantly, Jimmy firmly believed that “the chef never cleans” and was often the first person at the sink rolling up his sleeves to wash dishes; a tradition and lesson we hope continues with the next generation of firefighters.
Firefighter McKinney’s service to the residents of the Borough of Carteret, the Carteret Fire Department, and FMBA Local 67 has been a shining example of dedication, selflessness, and leadership. He has been an exceptional senior firefighter and mentor to every rookie who had the privilege of learning from him.
The Officers and Firefighters of FMBA Local 67 wish Firefighter McKinney a long, healthy, and well-deserved retirement. Thank you for your years of service, friendship, and commitment to this profession. We wish you a long and healthy retirement and the best of luck in your future endeavors.
Congratulations and best wishes, Jimmy!
