Post by stffgpr2003 on Jul 7, 2006 14:31:42 GMT -5
I'm going to join in the fun and add some good reading materials to the site. Here is the story of the Freehold First Aid. They do a great job and their story should be shared with all. After reading this, maybe some of you will drop a donation in the mail. They do a great job here in town.
History
“We are not just volunteers; we are your neighbors”, and we have been serving the Freehold community since 1941. The early forming of the squad had its seed at the A & M Karaghuesian Rug Company (Rug Mill). The year is 1939 and Arshag and Miran decide to create a first aid team to help keep their employees safe. Two men from each department train in the prevention of accidents and emergency medical care. A first aid bell is installed and when it rings the men respond to the emergency. Each emergency lasts approximately two hours from start to finish, and if this means overtime the men remain on the clock.
Fourteen of the men trained by Karaghuesian find a common goal in helping to meet the emergency medical needs of the Freehold Area. After two years of hard work these men are able to establish the Freehold First Aid and Emergency Squad (FFAES) in 1941. The Karaghuesians donate the use of a small building and parking lot off Jackson Street for the new squad members to house an ambulance and supplies. In June, the men purchase a 1931 Cadillac LaSalle Ambulance. Three months later, on Labor Day, the 14 charter members officially go into service.
The first call is in September 1941. Robert Bennett and David Blackburn respond into Howell for a man having a heart attack. Several months after the first call, the Van Sant Funeral home donates their 1928 ambulance.
In December 1941, hard times fell on FFAES and the nation. World War II, called upon many of the active members to serve in the armed forces. Times were also financially hard. Members purchased gasoline for the ambulances out of their own pockets and hoped that the supplies would not fail during transport.
During the late 40’s and 50’s membership and call volume increased. The members who join also include younger members of the Freehold Community. These youth want to undertake the squad’s mission of assisting their neighbors. Their interest leads to the formation of a cadet corps in 1964. Chubby Lykes and James Sweetman are the advisors to the youngest members of the squad. The increased call volume also leads the squad into the purchase of a third ambulance. In 1947, the squad raises enough money to purchase property and a small house in downtown Freehold, just off of Main, on Spring Street. This purchase is the birth of our current home. Small lamps are light to keep supplies warm on cold nights because the garage was not heated.
On July 28, 1961, the first of two fires breaks out at FFAES Headquarters. The quick response of members and firefighters, extinguish the blaze quickly. The ambulances are unharmed and the only destruction is smoke and water damage to the garage. Investigators determine the cause is a short circuit under the dashboard of the new 1961 Cadillac ambulance.
The second fire occurs 9 months after the first incident. This time the consequences are more severe, and the squad goes out of service for a short period of time. Manalapan and Howell First Aid Squads willingly assist FFAES, as we are able to reestablish ourselves.
1965 is a very exciting time for the squad: Our building undergoes major renovations. We obtain a fourth garage and a second floor to hold meetings and conduct other business.
One year later, 1966, the squad celebrates 25 years of service to the community! To celebrate there is a gala parade through downtown freehold. More than 50 other squads and fire departments are in attendance to assist with the festivities.
Among many of the firsts that FFAES can claim, the squad is the first in Monmouth County to purchase a Modular Crash Truck and a Hurst Jaws of Life in 1974. These pieces of equipment help members rescue people from car accidents and other dangerous locations quicker.
In 1976 there is some shifting of equipment. The squad purchases a new Cadillac Cardiac Care Ambulance and donates a 1971 ambulance to Freehold Area Hospital (now known as Centra State Medical Center). Three years later, 1974, the squad purchases its first van style ambulance. This ambulance provides more room for members to treat patients on the way to the hospital.
1983 is a bittersweet year that marks the end of an era for the squad: The last remaining Cadillac Ambulance is sold. Only two years later in 1985, the squad undergoes more changes. Nancy Snook is the first female captain to serve FFAES. She led the way for many female members in later years. Also in 1985, “Medic 59-54” enters the squad’s vocabulary. Medic Unit 59-54 are the paramedics who can provide more intervention to help patients before getting to the hospital. The medics are one of the most important advances to pre-hospital care for patients with severe ailments.
On October 20, 1986, the squad is shaken to its very core. The crash truck is struck while transporting 3 patients to the hospital. 2 members are hospitalized and 2 more are treated and released. The diver of the car who struck the crash truck was the most seriously injured in the accident. To replace the loss of the crash truck, the squad purchases a box type ambulance from Marlboro First Aid Squad and another from Colts Neck First Aid. The box ambulance from Colts Neck is converted into a permanent extrication vehicle.
In the spring of 1990 a road officer’s car is brought in to help officers get to the scene quicker. Officers can use this car to go directly to the scene and begin care while the crew gets an ambulance.
1991 is another exciting year for members of the squad: Labor Day means 50 years of service to the community and our neighbors. The Monmouth County Court House parking lot is transformed into the scene of a 50th Anniversary celebration. There is music, food, and prizes for those in attendance.
President William Clinton comes to Freehold in late June of 1996 to present a speech on the Anniversary of the Battle at Monmouth Courthouse. Barbi Chappell and Dave Trulli represent FFAES by participating in the President’s motorcade through town.
3 years later, 1999, the squad purchases an extrication/ rescue vehicle. The truck is equipped with 2 sets of Hurst Jaws of Life”, hydraulic tools, low angle rescue equipment, and hand tools. For members to obtain eligible status to use the truck, they must pass an oral and written exam.
In the late 90’s and beginning of the 2000, the building underwent more renovations. A two-story addition is added to the building. The extension includes 3 bays that house 3 ambulances and the Crash Truck. The fourth ambulance is stored at a substation near Freehold Independent’s Fire House in the Township. The old garages are turned into offices and space for members to relax between calls.
In 2003 the squad adds 2 bicycles donated. In addition, a new officer’s car is purchased. The most recent ambulance to join the fleet is being celebrated by members today. 2005 brought the addition of a Medtec box ambulance. This ambulance is equipped with many features to help the squad assist our neighbors. These features include a GPS to help find the location of any given call in the fast growing Freehold area, LED safety lights on all doors, and a larger patient compartment.
A lot has changed for the members of the squad since 1941, except for one thing, “We are not just volunteers, we are your friends and neighbors”; and we remain dedicated to helping people in need. The caring and excellence established by the charter members is still the foundation of patient care in Freehold.
We thank the following charter members for their willingness to provide emergency care to the community:
Robert Bennett
David Blackburn
Pat Cicerone
Joseph Donavan
Ennis Estelle
Ralph Hanson
Sidney Jackson
Warren McNinnie
Warren Oakerson
Robert Searby
Edward Spuler
Martin Wagner
Lawrence Willis
History
“We are not just volunteers; we are your neighbors”, and we have been serving the Freehold community since 1941. The early forming of the squad had its seed at the A & M Karaghuesian Rug Company (Rug Mill). The year is 1939 and Arshag and Miran decide to create a first aid team to help keep their employees safe. Two men from each department train in the prevention of accidents and emergency medical care. A first aid bell is installed and when it rings the men respond to the emergency. Each emergency lasts approximately two hours from start to finish, and if this means overtime the men remain on the clock.
Fourteen of the men trained by Karaghuesian find a common goal in helping to meet the emergency medical needs of the Freehold Area. After two years of hard work these men are able to establish the Freehold First Aid and Emergency Squad (FFAES) in 1941. The Karaghuesians donate the use of a small building and parking lot off Jackson Street for the new squad members to house an ambulance and supplies. In June, the men purchase a 1931 Cadillac LaSalle Ambulance. Three months later, on Labor Day, the 14 charter members officially go into service.
The first call is in September 1941. Robert Bennett and David Blackburn respond into Howell for a man having a heart attack. Several months after the first call, the Van Sant Funeral home donates their 1928 ambulance.
In December 1941, hard times fell on FFAES and the nation. World War II, called upon many of the active members to serve in the armed forces. Times were also financially hard. Members purchased gasoline for the ambulances out of their own pockets and hoped that the supplies would not fail during transport.
During the late 40’s and 50’s membership and call volume increased. The members who join also include younger members of the Freehold Community. These youth want to undertake the squad’s mission of assisting their neighbors. Their interest leads to the formation of a cadet corps in 1964. Chubby Lykes and James Sweetman are the advisors to the youngest members of the squad. The increased call volume also leads the squad into the purchase of a third ambulance. In 1947, the squad raises enough money to purchase property and a small house in downtown Freehold, just off of Main, on Spring Street. This purchase is the birth of our current home. Small lamps are light to keep supplies warm on cold nights because the garage was not heated.
On July 28, 1961, the first of two fires breaks out at FFAES Headquarters. The quick response of members and firefighters, extinguish the blaze quickly. The ambulances are unharmed and the only destruction is smoke and water damage to the garage. Investigators determine the cause is a short circuit under the dashboard of the new 1961 Cadillac ambulance.
The second fire occurs 9 months after the first incident. This time the consequences are more severe, and the squad goes out of service for a short period of time. Manalapan and Howell First Aid Squads willingly assist FFAES, as we are able to reestablish ourselves.
1965 is a very exciting time for the squad: Our building undergoes major renovations. We obtain a fourth garage and a second floor to hold meetings and conduct other business.
One year later, 1966, the squad celebrates 25 years of service to the community! To celebrate there is a gala parade through downtown freehold. More than 50 other squads and fire departments are in attendance to assist with the festivities.
Among many of the firsts that FFAES can claim, the squad is the first in Monmouth County to purchase a Modular Crash Truck and a Hurst Jaws of Life in 1974. These pieces of equipment help members rescue people from car accidents and other dangerous locations quicker.
In 1976 there is some shifting of equipment. The squad purchases a new Cadillac Cardiac Care Ambulance and donates a 1971 ambulance to Freehold Area Hospital (now known as Centra State Medical Center). Three years later, 1974, the squad purchases its first van style ambulance. This ambulance provides more room for members to treat patients on the way to the hospital.
1983 is a bittersweet year that marks the end of an era for the squad: The last remaining Cadillac Ambulance is sold. Only two years later in 1985, the squad undergoes more changes. Nancy Snook is the first female captain to serve FFAES. She led the way for many female members in later years. Also in 1985, “Medic 59-54” enters the squad’s vocabulary. Medic Unit 59-54 are the paramedics who can provide more intervention to help patients before getting to the hospital. The medics are one of the most important advances to pre-hospital care for patients with severe ailments.
On October 20, 1986, the squad is shaken to its very core. The crash truck is struck while transporting 3 patients to the hospital. 2 members are hospitalized and 2 more are treated and released. The diver of the car who struck the crash truck was the most seriously injured in the accident. To replace the loss of the crash truck, the squad purchases a box type ambulance from Marlboro First Aid Squad and another from Colts Neck First Aid. The box ambulance from Colts Neck is converted into a permanent extrication vehicle.
In the spring of 1990 a road officer’s car is brought in to help officers get to the scene quicker. Officers can use this car to go directly to the scene and begin care while the crew gets an ambulance.
1991 is another exciting year for members of the squad: Labor Day means 50 years of service to the community and our neighbors. The Monmouth County Court House parking lot is transformed into the scene of a 50th Anniversary celebration. There is music, food, and prizes for those in attendance.
President William Clinton comes to Freehold in late June of 1996 to present a speech on the Anniversary of the Battle at Monmouth Courthouse. Barbi Chappell and Dave Trulli represent FFAES by participating in the President’s motorcade through town.
3 years later, 1999, the squad purchases an extrication/ rescue vehicle. The truck is equipped with 2 sets of Hurst Jaws of Life”, hydraulic tools, low angle rescue equipment, and hand tools. For members to obtain eligible status to use the truck, they must pass an oral and written exam.
In the late 90’s and beginning of the 2000, the building underwent more renovations. A two-story addition is added to the building. The extension includes 3 bays that house 3 ambulances and the Crash Truck. The fourth ambulance is stored at a substation near Freehold Independent’s Fire House in the Township. The old garages are turned into offices and space for members to relax between calls.
In 2003 the squad adds 2 bicycles donated. In addition, a new officer’s car is purchased. The most recent ambulance to join the fleet is being celebrated by members today. 2005 brought the addition of a Medtec box ambulance. This ambulance is equipped with many features to help the squad assist our neighbors. These features include a GPS to help find the location of any given call in the fast growing Freehold area, LED safety lights on all doors, and a larger patient compartment.
A lot has changed for the members of the squad since 1941, except for one thing, “We are not just volunteers, we are your friends and neighbors”; and we remain dedicated to helping people in need. The caring and excellence established by the charter members is still the foundation of patient care in Freehold.
We thank the following charter members for their willingness to provide emergency care to the community:
Robert Bennett
David Blackburn
Pat Cicerone
Joseph Donavan
Ennis Estelle
Ralph Hanson
Sidney Jackson
Warren McNinnie
Warren Oakerson
Robert Searby
Edward Spuler
Martin Wagner
Lawrence Willis