For seventy years the First Aid Squad has served the Pompton Lakes community. Its 55 volunteer members provide emergency medical care to the residents 24 hours a day for all 365 days of each year. In the year 2001 the squad respond­ed to over 1,200 calls.

The squad also provides, when possible, non-emergency transportation for residents to local hospitals as well as wheelchairs, crutches and walkers at no cost to the residents. The squad participates in local events such as parades, fireworks and street fairs. Its members volunteer to teach CPR and first aid to local civic groups.

Since its beginning squad members have actively fundraised to help offset the operating costs. In 1935 the squad received a $1,000 donation from a local resident towards the purchase of the first ambulance. An exhibition boxing bout by Heavyweight Champion Joe Louis raised the remaining $2,260 needed for the purchase.

In April of 2002 the squad purchased two new ambulances at a cost of over $100,000 each. The Borough of Pompton Lakes donated 385,000 toward the purchase and [he squad raised the balance from various fundraisers and generous donations.

All members of the squad are CPR and defibrillator certified- Some of the members are certified Emergency Medical Technicians and some are certi­fied drivers. The EMTs provide the medical care needed for the patients. The drivers actually drive the ambulance and support the EMTs by helping with equipment and keeping in contact with the police department, fire depart­ment, paramedics or even the hospital.

The squad is always looking to recruit new members. Anyone interested in joining may call the First Aid Squad Building at 973-835-1480 or contact any member. Any required training will be provided free of charge.