Kendall Park Rescue Squad Honored for 50 Years of Service

People rarely think of them until they're needed, but when that time comes they're on-scene in minutes and they do the job because they just want to help.  The Kendall Park First Aid and Rescue Squad was honored by the Township Council last week in recognition of 50 years serving South Brunswick.  

"We thank you for your 50 years of service," said Mayor Frank Gambatese to a group of squad members.  "We couldn't survive without the work you do."

The all-volunteer squad currently has 45 members that handle an average of 1,900 dispatches per year.  That amounts to about 10,000 volunteer hours and traveling a combined total of about 50,000 miles each year.  

The squad serves the residents of Kendall Park, Franklin Park, Griggstown, parts of Little Rocky Hill and Somerset, while also also providing mutual aid to the Monmouth Junction First Aid Squad and the Kingston First Aid Squad.  

"All of us do this as volunteers because we just want to help," said KPFARS President Bill Kennedy.  "We're one of the few squads that is 100 percent volunteer."

The squad was also presented with a $250 donation from the American Indian Civic Forum.  Donations are crucial to the survival of the squad, which doesn't receive a direct portion of fire district taxes.

"We are entirely funded by donations from residents themselves and contributions by the council," Kennedy said.  

With each ambulance call costing about $90, the squad is reliant on residents to help them provide critical aid at all hours.  The squad is also in need of other volunteers to join their dedicated group.  

When asked why they chose to join the squad, the humble members simply said they just wanted to help.  But the squad also needs the help of residents in the form of donations and volunteers to continue to provide the services that they have for the last 50 years.

"We're amazed at how many different people serve day in and day out," Gambatese said.  "We thank them on behalf of the entire township.  Anyone who wants to join the squad should call them because they can always use more help."

Click here for more information on donating or volunteering for the Kendall Park First Aid and Rescue Squad.

Residents can also mail donations directly to the squad building:

KPFARS - Donations
PO Box 5064
Kendall Park, NJ 08824

To request a donation packet via email : Information@KPFARS.org

For information on the tax benefits relating to contributions click here.