We are funded entirely through private donations. We do not receive any tax dollars from the City of Summit or any other government agency and we do not bill for any services.
April showers have long been known for bringing May flowers. But, this year in Summit, they have also brought quite a few requests for an ambulance response from the Summit Volunteer Aid Squad.
Summit First Aid Squad Approved as EMT Training Site
March 17, 2017
Thanks to the generosity of Summit residents, business, and local foundations Summit's all-volunteer First Aid Squad was able to build a new headquarters to replace the aging building they had used for over 50 years. Now your neighbors at the Summit Volunteer First Aid Squad need some help to put the finishing touches on the new home that is expected to serve the volunteers and the community for the next 50 years or more.
The year 2016 ended for the Summit First Aid Squad much in the same way as it began: with multiple ambulance calls. Squad volunteers rang in 2016 by answering 15 emergency calls between New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, 3 of which were covered by off duty members answering a “back-up call” for assistance. A “back-up call” for off duty members is transmitted via radio, pager and phone, when there are multiple emergencies and the on-duty crew needs help. Squad volunteers answered a total of 2,309 calls for help in 2016 and 195 of those were back-up calls.
The September 29 train accident at the Hoboken NJ Transit terminal had ripple effects into many towns in the region including Summit. Just before 9 AM, an in bound train failed to stop and crashed into the terminal. It was not immediately known how many were injured, but initial reports placed that number at 150-200. It was later learned that 108 people were injured and 1 person lost their life.
Mayor Nora Radest has issued a Proclamation designating September as "Summit Volunteer First Aid Squad Month". During Tuesday’s Common Council meeting, the Mayor acknowledged the squad and its all volunteer membership for their dedicated service to the Summit community for over 50 years. She also noted that the First Aid Squad’s annual fund drive will launch later this month and encouraged all to generously support the squad. Accepting the proclamation on behalf of the Squad were President Mike D’Ecclessis and Chief Kari Phair. Mr.
David Schempp, a 15 year member of the Summit Volunteer First Aid Squad was honored with the 2016 EMS Excellence Award by Overlook Medical Center during National EMS Week.
Five Junior Members of the Summit Volunteer First Aid Squad were recipients if this year’s Alice Nichols Memorial Scholarship. The fund was established in memory of a long time squad member Alice Nicholes who passed away unexpectedly in 2000. Alice had been an active volunteer for over 30 years and was serving as the squad’s President at the time of her death. She had also served for many years as a mentor to our Junior members. The scholarship is funded through private contributions and benefits graduating high school seniors who plan to attend college.
Summit Volunteer First Aid Squad President Mike D’Ecclessis and Chief Kari Phair took some time from their busy schedules to lend a hand to the SAGE Meals on Wheels program. The pair of volunteer EMTs spent the morning delivering pre-prepared meals to elderly and disabled residents throughout Summit.
