Volunteers Still Sought for South Brunswick First Aid Squads

South Brunswick's volunteer first aid squads are continuing a drive for new members as recent years have caused a decline in recruiting.

The Kendall Park, Kingston and Monmouth Junction First Aid and Rescue Squads rely on volunteers from the community to continue serving their neighbors, but are facing difficulties due to varying factors affecting membership numbers.

"We have people working two, sometimes three jobs, and it's difficult to find the time," said Monmouth Junction First Aid President Marty Haller last month. "We went to paid squads during the day because of the inability to get dedicated members during the day time. When I joined the squad we had daytime crews with help from stay-at-home moms and members of industry. We don't have that anymore, as people are working multiple jobs to keep their households going. It's been difficult."

Kendall Park has approximately 45 volunteers, Monmouth Junction has 35, and Kingston has about 12. Kendall Park alone responded to about 1,800 calls last year, providing emergency medical service to Franklin Park, Griggstown, Little Rocky Hill and areas in Monmouth Junction and Somerset, in addition to Kendall Park itself.

During the daytime hours, the township has a paid crew to cover Monmouth Junction and Kingston from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., and to provide backup for the Kendall Park daytime crew. Salaries and supplies for the daytime crew are paid through insurance billing. Within the next several months, another shift will be added to cover primarily Monmouth Junction and Kingston, and to back up Kendall Park from 6 a.m. to noon. 

In hopes of bringing in desperately needed new members, the three squads in South Brunswick have organized a joint recruitment effort. A "Tri Squad Committee" comprised of the Presidents, Vice Presidents, Captains, Assistant Captains, Chiefs, Assistant Chiefs and Lieutenants from all three squads have stepped up an awareness campaign placing recruiting signs around the township hoping to bring new faces to the squad.

"We used to rely on people who didn't work during the day, but that's evaporating," said Kendall Park squad member Rich Goselin last year. "We have guys who are doing 500 calls a year. It's a big commitment. What it comes down to is an understanding that we accept whatever people can provide. This is different than my job and what I do during the day. It's an opportunity to give back and it's more fulfilling."

The Volunteer First Aid Squads provide service to all of South Brunswick and the southern half of Franklin Township. If you live or work in any of these areas and want to help your community and neighbors, call 888-842-6060.