TOMS RIVER, NJ — Answering emergency calls while raising two young children and teaching advanced math, Erin Seneca has built a life around service in multiple forms. The Toms River resident joined East Dover Fire Company in 2020, adding volunteer firefighter and EMT duties to her role as a Calculus 2 teacher—all while caring for a toddler and infant at home. Now, six years later, she continues balancing those demands, often navigating childcare limits as she responds to community needs.
Seneca, who began volunteering as an EMT in 2006, didn’t enter firefighting until her thirties after moving to Toms River. She said the decision fulfilled a long-standing goal shaped by a family history in the fire service.
Balancing Emergencies and Everyday Life
“Balancing work, family and volunteering is the trickiest part,” Seneca said, pointing to the unpredictability of emergency calls and the constant need to coordinate childcare for her children, now ages six and four.
She serves with East Dover Fire Company, part of the Toms River Fire Department, where she contributes as both a firefighter and EMT. Seneca also teaches at High Technology High School, marking her 20th year in education.
Despite her commitment, she acknowledges limitations. Her children are too young to stay home alone, which affects her ability to respond to every call. Instead, she prioritizes training drills and scheduled meetings to maintain readiness.
“The drill nights are important because that’s our training, and I want to stay on top of new strategies and continue learning,” she said.
Her role extends beyond responding to calls. About six months ago, Seneca began working as an instructor at the Toms River fire academy, taking on shifts when her schedule allows.
A Family Connection to Service
Seneca’s connection to firefighting began in childhood. Her grandfather and uncles served as firefighters, and she grew up attending the New Jersey State Firemen’s Association Convention in Wildwood. Today, she continues that tradition with her own children, who now experience the same environment that influenced her.
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Key Points
• Toms River teacher Erin Seneca serves as a volunteer firefighter and EMT while raising two children
• She joined East Dover Fire Company in 2020 after years as an EMT
• The Toms River Fire Department is actively recruiting new volunteers
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Her children are already developing an interest in the fire service. Seneca says they regularly attend department events and activities, including one of their favorites—the annual Santa Run and holiday gathering hosted by the fire company.
“My kids absolutely love the Santa Run,” she said. “Our fire department hosts a Christmas party for fire members’ kids and Santa comes. That’s their favorite weekend of the year.”
Her son, she added, is especially drawn to the profession.
“My son is four and says he wants to be a firefighter every day,” Seneca said. “He wants to get in every truck he can and sit in every seat.”
Responding With Perspective
When responding to emergencies, Seneca focuses on her training and the immediate needs of the situation. But she says parenthood has deepened her emotional perspective on the job.
“The goal is always to help people on the worst day of their life,” she said. “The compassion you have in the aftermath of a call only intensifies as a parent.”
That dual perspective—responder and mother—shapes how she approaches both her volunteer work and her career in education. It also reinforces the values she hopes to pass on to her children.
Regardless of whether they pursue firefighting themselves, Seneca says she wants them to understand the importance of community service and finding meaningful work.
Volunteer Needs Continue
Her story comes as the Toms River Fire Department continues efforts to recruit volunteer firefighters and junior members. The department offers training and equipment to those who join, emphasizing accessibility for residents interested in serving their community.
Seneca’s experience reflects both the opportunities and challenges tied to volunteer emergency services, particularly for working parents. Limited availability due to childcare remains a factor, but she credits her department for its understanding and flexibility.
“I appreciate the officers and fellow firefighters for understanding that I don’t always have childcare,” she said. “When I’m not there, it’s not because I don’t want to be there, but because I can’t.”
As departments nationwide face ongoing recruitment challenges, stories like Seneca’s highlight how volunteers often balance multiple responsibilities while maintaining readiness to respond.
The Toms River Fire Department continues to accept applications from individuals interested in joining its volunteer ranks. Training is provided, and participation can vary depending on availability.
For Seneca, the commitment remains clear despite the complexity of her schedule: serve when possible, stay prepared, and model service for the next generation.
The Toms River Fire Department is actively seeking new volunteers as it works to sustain staffing levels and community response capacity.