Squad Information
History
The Squad was organized in 1951 by a group of township residents whose
concern was to provide ambulance services to the residents of Pequannock
Township. Prior to that time, the Pompton Lakes-Riverdale First Aid
Squad covered this area. The Squad building was originally located on
Route 23, where Rentals Unlimited is now situated. The original structure
still stands there. The First Reformed Church of Pompton Plains leased a
tract of land adjacent to where the original Chilton Hospital stood, to
the Township of Pequannock, and the township sub-leases the land to the
First Aid Squad. The building that stands here now was built in 1958 and
dedicated in 1959. The First Reformed Church of Pompton Plains was our
original mortgage holder. The building has since been paid off.
Our current home originally housed two ambulances which exited out of
the side of the building. In order to hold squad meetings, the
ambulances had to be pulled out of the building, which was a basic four
wall structure. In 1968, the building was expanded. New ambulance bays
were added and the old bays were converted into what is now the meeting
room, kitchen and bathrooms. The ambulance bays, with four entrances,
three to the front and one to the rear, housed three ambulances and a
rescue truck. The
ambulance bays were recently renovated. The ambulance bay now has four
entrances, two to the front and two to the rear, as well as adding a
second floor that has a crew lounge area with restroom facilities.
Responsibility
The Squad provides emergency medical services and transportations in
its' coverage area, which includes Pequannock Township, small portions
of Kinnelon that are readily accessible from Jacksonville Road, and a
small portion of Riverdale on Harrison Road. Additionally, the Squad
responds with the Fire Departments to stand by on all structure fires.
The Squad also engages in other activities consistent with its' mission.
These activities include sponsoring First Aid and CPR classes for the
general public, putting on demonstrations and lectures for schools and
civic groups, and providing free loans of recuperative equipment such as
crutches, walkers, and wheelchairs. The Squad is always interested in
spreading its fundamental values of giving back to the community.
Organization
The Squad is not an agency of the Township government, but rather an
independent, not-for-profit corporation with a constitution and by-laws.
As such, the Squad operates under the direction of a three-member Board
of Trustees. The overall and final authority of the Squad rests with
these trustees. One is a Squad member, one is a citizen at large from
the town, and one is a member of the Township Council. The Squad Trustee and
the Citizen Trustee are elected by the Squad for a three year period.
The Squad has two types of officers, administrative and operational
officers. The administrative officers consist of the President, Vice
President, Treasurer, Recording Secretary and Corresponding Secretary.
The operational officers consist of a Chief, Captain, and Lieutenant.
Each officer is elected by the membership of the Squad for a one-year
term and may serve as many as two years consecutively, with the
exception of the Treasurer who may serve an unlimited term.
Membership
The primary classes of membership are active, exempt, active-exempt,
probationary, ambulance assistant, cadet, and associate. There are also
several classes of honorary membership and special membership, including
physician and clergy. All members, seniors as well as cadets, join as
probationary members. The probationary period exists to allow new
members to familiarize themselves with the operation of the Squad and
with other Squad members. For an adult member, the probationary period
generally lasts six months. When an adult member completes the
probationary period, he or she becomes an active member. Active members,
unlike probationary members, may vote at Squad meetings and hold office.
Associate members do not go on ambulance calls, but assist the Squad
with administrative and business functions.