ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS, NJ – The Atlantic Highlands First Aid & Safety Squad has been named the Outstanding Volunteer EMS Agency of the year by the New Jersey Department of Health & Senior Services, Office of Emergency Medical Services.
The all-volunteer organization was honored for being an active, progressive emergency medical services organization that is dedicated to serving its community and surrounding areas.
“I am proud of our organization and grateful to our line officers, executive board and membership for their dedication and efforts over the past several years,” said AHFAS president Lou Marotta.
Marotta, AHFAS captain Jerry Pandolfo and past captain Tom McKiernan were presented the award Oct. 3, at the New Jersey Statewide Conference on EMS annual banquet in Atlantic City. Awards were given in 16 categories to paid and volunteer organizations and individual EMS professionals from around the state at the end of a three-day conference.
“Day in and day out, the dedicated members of the Atlantic Highlands First Aid Squad give their time and effort to helping their friends and neighbors in a time of need,” said AHFAS Captain Jerry Pandolfo. “This is award is a recognition of those year-round efforts by our team.”
The Atlantic Highlands First Aid & Safety Squad was formed in 1929 and has provided quality EMS service ever since. The organization operates on donations from the Borough and the community. Squad members devote their time to training for all sorts of emergencies facing Atlantic Highlands residents, ranging from minor falls, to ice and water rescues, to preparing for major disasters.
Also, the squad is only one of a handful in Monmouth County to be members of the elite New Jersey EMS Task Force, an organization that responds to disasters large and small all over the state.
The squad was honored for being an organization that reacts to the special and individual needs of the community through squad training and being part of the community it serves. The squad was noted for its community outreach CPR and first aid, along with its annual Santa Run programs as well.
“Being recognized by our peers and being selected by the New Jersey Office of Emergency Medical Services from all of the volunteer organizations is truly an honor,” said Marotta. “So, too, is serving our friends and neighbors year around in Atlantic Highlands.”