About SPRS
The Scotch Plains Rescue Squad
The Scotch Plains Rescue Squad is entering it’s 85th year of all volunteer emergency medical services to the Township of Scotch Plains and surrounding communities. This is a distinction that very few rescue squads in the state have attained.
The Rescue Squad’s, ninety-plus, dedicated volunteers have over 800 combined years of service to the community. These volunteers respond to emergency calls on a twenty-four hour basis. Records indicate that the squad answered over 80,300 emergency calls in more than eighty-three years of service.
The Scotch Plains Rescue Squad often serves other communities for mutual aid response. These volunteers have provided service without charge to residents. The rescue squad is supported only by
tax-deductible donations.
The squad remains the oldest of all volunteer rescue squads in Union County and one of the oldest in New Jersey. The squad has members of various ages and walks of life, some students, some work full-time, some have children. The professions range from doctors, nurses, lawyers, accountants, engineers, graphic designers, police officers, and teachers. Members have also served our communities in the military, law enforcement, fire department, religious leadership, and many others. Some of these individuals have served a few hours per a week and others serve much more. Many volunteers stand-by through the night for overnight emergency calls. All members are dedicated to serving their community and often sacrifice time away from family and friends.
Each active member is a certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) by the New Jersey State Department of Health and Senior Services and each member is also certified every two years in CPR. Currently, EMT training requires approximately 120 hours and also includes volunteer time in the emergency room at one of the area hospitals. emergency calls in more than eighty-three years of service.
Our Members
Squad members are present at many community events to convey the various services they offer for the citizens of Scotch Plains. Throughout the year, the squad offers special demonstrations, CPR classes, and participates in township Memorial Day and Scotch Plains Day activities. There, the members of the squad meet residents and communicate their appreciation for the continued support of community residents.
Our History
This squad was originally sponsored by a few who saw a need for such an organization in the community. On March 9, 1937, this organization was formed and on April 10, 1937, was incorporated as the Scotch Plains Rescue Squad, Inc. The squad purchased its first vehicle in 1937; a used 1924 Kensington ambulance from Muhlenberg Hospital for $250.
This ambulance was housed at the municipal building and members responded when the siren sounded. The original squad numbered about twenty members and all were qualified in advanced first aid work. Service began by answering calls in Scotch Plains, Fanwood, Mountainside and New Providence. As of November 1937, the Scotch Plains Rescue Squad was the only independent and privately maintained organization of its kind in Union County.
The squad purchased its own building on Bartle Avenue in 1943 from William Meyer for $3,000. The dedication ceremony took place on March 4, 1945. Since that time the building has undergone two additions and extensive renovations to accommodate the growing membership and the needs of the township. The building is now approximately three times the size and houses two modern ambulances.
Our Officers
PRESIDENT: Joan Lozowski
1st VICE PRESIDENT: Jerry Handsman
2nd VICE PRESIDENT: Robert Foerster
SECRETARY: Joanne Gurske
TREASURER: Ranee Muirhead
CHAPLAIN: Deacon Robert Gurske
CHIEF: Daniel Sullivan
DEPUTY CHIEF: Robert Gurske
DEPUTY CHIEF: Fred Thomas
DELEGATES: Ranee Muirhead, Joan Lozowski, Daniel Sullivan
ALTERNATE DELEGATES: Karolyn Buckridee, Patricia Buckridee, Charles Laskowski
TRUSTEES: Charles Berntson, Edward Fiedler, Chang Yaramothu