Mark Hopkins, a fire sub-code official in the township’s construction department, has been named fire protection inspector of the year by the New Jersey State Fire Prevention and Protection Association.
The association’s mission is to provide information on fire safety and protection, and to participate in the legislative and regulatory processes. It also promotes fire prevention and protection through education.
The association was established in 1962 as a state-level nonprofit geared to fire services throughout the state. Its membership is comprised of fire marshals and inspectors; construction officials; and companies in the construction and fire-protection fields, along with firefighters, fire safety educators, local officials and private citizens certified or licensed as an official or inspector.
The association’s fire protection inspector of the year recognition highlights a recipient’s exceptional dedication to fire safety, code enforcement and community protection. Hopkins recently shared his thoughts on the award and offered advice on fire prevention.
Fire inspectors play a key role in preventing emergencies before they occur by conducting thorough building inspections, ensuring compliance with fire codes and educating the public on essential safety practices.
Now in his seventh year with the township, Hopkins began his career with the longtime goal of becoming a firefighter. He transitioned into fire inspection and investigation in 2015 after graduating from Ocean County College, where he studied fire science. Hopkins also holds a culinary arts degree from the Culinary Institute of America.
In his role as fire inspector, he is responsible for reviewing fire safety systems in both commercial and residential properties. His daily work includes conducting inspections, performing plan reviews and overseeing acceptance testing for fire protection systems such as alarms and sprinklers.
Hopkins noted that in his experience, some of the most common fire-safety issues are easily preventable. In homes, outdated or non-functioning smoke alarms are a frequent concern, while in commercial buildings, blocked exits and improperly maintained sprinkler systems are among the most cited violations.
In his work, Hopkins emphasizes that fire prevention and protection serve different but equally important purposes – both aimed at keeping residents safe.
“Sprinklers and fire alarms are life-saving systems,” he explained, adding that proper maintenance and compliance with fire codes provide a critical sense of security.
Hopkins encourages residents to take simple, but vital precautions, such as regularly testing smoke detectors, replacing outdated units and ensuring carbon monoxide detectors are installed and functioning.
“You cannot smell carbon monoxide,” he advised.
Hopkins credits his colleagues and the community for making his work especially rewarding.
“The recognition reflects not just individual achievement,” he noted, “but a shared commitment to safety across the township.”
