Mayor Ellen Dickson has issued a proclamation designating September as "Summit Volunteer First Aid Squad Month". Dickson recognized the Squad's 51 years of outstanding service to the community, and noted that the all-volunteer membership saves Summit taxpayers and residents more than $1 million each year since all services are provided free.
The First Aid Squad is funded entirely through private donations and Dickson has encouraged all to support the First Aid Squad’s fund drive effort which launches this week. She concluded her proclamation by presenting the squad with a personal contribution.
Accepting the proclamation on behalf of the First Aid Squad were 4 squad presidents: John Christmann, the current president; John Staunton the current Captain and a past president, Steve Mortenson, Chair of the Capital Campaign and former president; and Carl Ganger, chair of the New Building Committee and former president . Christmann thanked the mayor, council and community for their support and encouraged any area resident with an interest to consider becoming a volunteer.
Christmann presented the Squad’s plans to replace its current building. While the First Aid Squad owns and maintains the building, their plan requires Council approval since the land is owned by the city. After brief discussion, council unanimously approved the plan.
The First Aid Squad launches its annual find drive this week. Squad volunteers answered over 2,100 calls for help last year and, since 1962, neither patients or taxpayers have ever received a bill. "With the continued generosity of the Summit community, we hope to keep it that way for many years to come" said Staunton.