N.J. Stat. Ann. § 40A:14-12.1

Notwithstanding any provision of law, rule or regulation to the contrary, a municipal appointing authority may, without civil service examination, and irrespective of any age or physical requirements, appoint to a uniformed firefighting position any person who is in the fire division of a municipal department of public safety when any such person had been appointed and had permanent status as a fire signal system repairman or lineman and has served in that capacity for a period of 18 or more years and provided further that such title is being abolished or otherwise discontinued.