New Jersey Statutes Title 40A. Municipalities and Counties 40A § 14-12.4

a. Notwithstanding the provisions of N.J.S.40A:14-12 to the contrary, a municipal appointing authority may appoint to a uniformed firefighting position any person who is over 35 years of age if that person was placed on a civil service eligible list for appointment as a member or officer of a paid fire department or force prior to February 25, 1997 and was appointed by a municipal appointing authority prior to June 30, 1998.

b. Notwithstanding the provisions of P.L.1944, c. 255 (C.43:16A-1 et seq.) to the contrary, the Board of Trustees of the Police and Firemen's Retirement System shall accept as a member of the retirement system any firefighter, otherwise eligible for membership, who was appointed in accordance with the provisions of subsection a. of this section.