The Summit Volunteer First Aid Squad recently launched our annual fund drive and as we ask for your continued support, we wanted to take a minute to thank the Summit community for the terriffic support we have received during our 50 year history.
That was evident at our recent 50 year anniversary block party where current and former Squad members were joined by neighbors, friends and local officials to celebrate the golden anniversary.
While the overcast skies had a few worried, the weather held for the block party event which was well attended. Guests young and old were given tours of the Squad headquarters and a variety of equipment from both the Summit squad and several other agencies in the area.
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The mass casualty ambulance bus and two off road ambulances were popular with the younger guests.
Mayor Ellen Dickson, former Mayor Jordan Glatt and council members Dave Bomgaars and Tom Getzendanner were among the many guests.
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The squad is grateful to several generous local businesses that provided food for the event. They were: Peppercorn, The Office Restaurant, Hilltop Burger & Fries, The Hat Tavern, Joe’s Pizzeria, and Bilbao Catering. Several other civic organizations also brought displays to the party including the Junior League, American Red Cross, Summit Historical Society and Overlook Hospital.
Other emergency response agencies included the Summit Fire Department, Summit Police Department, Union County Police Mounted Unit, Berkeley Heights Rescue Squad, New Providence Rescue Squad, Springfield First Aid Squad, Westfield Rescue Squad, Northstar Medevac Helicopter team, Union County Office of Emergency Management and Elizabeth Fire Department EMS Division.
The event was the culmination of nearly a year of planning by a volunteer committee led by Squad Captain Kari Phair and former President Mike D’Ecclessis.
The First Aid Squad does not bill for any services and receives no government funding. The annual fund drive is our primary source of income.
While money is important, what really makes the First Aid Squad such a success is our all volunteer membership. That's why we are always looking for new members to join our ranks. One of the things that makes Summit such a great community is it's longstanding tradition of volunteerism. So, if you are interested in getting more involved, please give us a call. All needed training, uniforms and equipment is provided. For information, call us at 908-277-9479, or visit our website at: summitems.org.
—John Staunton
John Staunton is an active volunteer EMT and Instructor with the Summit First Aid Squad and chairs the Publicity and Fund Drive committees. The First Aid Squad is celebrating 50 years of service in 2012.
