Hardyston hires First Aid Squad administrator

HARDYSTON — The Hardyston Township Council hired Andy Smetana as the administator of the new First Aid squad on Wednesday, Jan. 13.

Smetana is a retired police officer from Sparta for 30 years and served on the Sparta Ambulance Corps. He introduced the Hybrid System to the Sparta First Aid Squad.

Smetana will work with the steering committee and Hardyston council members. He will update the council on a monthly basis on the progress he’s made in finding qualified volunteers and analyzing everything needed to start a successful First Aid Squad.

"There is a lot to do and we need to hit the ground running," Smetana said to the council.

He also stated to Mayor Leslie Hamilton and the council that 30 people signed up to volunteer for the First Aid Squad, but they need to find out if the volunteers are qualified and have experience dealing with life-threatening situations independently. Councilman Santulli stated that

“we need to know that the volunteers know what they are doing,” Councilman Santo Verilli said.

Township Manager Marianne Smith explained to the council that there wouldn’t be a functioning squad by July 31, but if there seems to be good energy and qualified volunteers they would like to move in that direction.

Smetana said he sees a lot of high school students that would like to volunteer, especially if they are going into the medical field. He mentioned he would like to inquire at Wallkill Valley Regional High School if any students are interested. Councilman Miller said

"People want know we are serious and putting in council oversight and by-laws because it shows them that this is a commitment to having financial backing and manpower,” Councilman Carl Miller said.

Smetana said he will be look at the equipment to make sure it’s in good functioning order. He will work on the bylaws and work with Township Attorney Fred Semrau and the steering committee, check the First Aid Squad building, inspect the trucks to make sure they are in excellent shape, and to make sure each truck is well stocked.

In addition, Smetana will make sure the trucks are regulation safe and the items mandated by the state will be well stocked in the trucks.

Coucilman Miller expressed to the Council that “our goal is if we can get a crew that’s committed and qualified for one day a week that’s a good start.”

Smetana told the Council that by July they will definitely know if they have enough volunteers to get started, or he suggested approaching Franklin First Aid Squad. As of now Hamburg and Milton First Aid Squads, and St. Clare’s are covering for Hardyston.