Jefferson christens new ambulances

OAK RIDGE — The first aid squad community celebrated and dedicated on Saturday, Sept. 9, two new ambulances for the Volunteer Jefferson Rescue and Milton First Aid Squads.
The dedication was hosted by Jefferson Township Volunteer Fire Department companies 1 and 2 at Fireman's Field in Lake Hopatcong.
During the dedication ceremony, Administrator James Perrier acknowledged the many people who made the purchase possible: Jefferson Township mayor, present and past council members, town administrator, town clerk, purchasing, and CFO.
Perrier said the process started about two years ago and is the first time Jefferson Township has been able to use the Houston-Galveston Area Council program to purchase ambulances. He added, the program allowed the township and squad to save hours of administration time and also keep the expense down.
He continued, “We know that volunteering today is tough.” To date, Perrier reviewed, both Jefferson Rescue and Milton First Aid Squad have responded to over 961 calls, equaling over 4,800 person hours on calls, over 840 community service and standby hours, and traveled over 25,000 miles in ambulances to help others, so far in 2017.
Pastor Micah Coleman Campbell from the Hurdtown and Lake Hopatcong United Methodist Churches blessed the ambulances, those who serve, and those in need.
Jefferson Rescue Sergeant Albie Garcia said, they dedicated the rigs to the citizens of Jefferson Township.
Garcia also thanked the squad families for their continued support, thus allowing them to help others.
Jefferson Township Police Chief William F. Craig congratulated both the Milton First Aid Squad and Jefferson Rescue Squad on the two new rigs and said, “We look forward to another great year.”
Jefferson Township Councilwoman Kim Finnegan gave out door prizes from about 30 local businesses.
D.J. Steve Kazimir, a rescue squad member, played all types of music from “Auld Lang Syne” to “Piano Man” and more.
Attendees enjoyed hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken wings, potato and macaroni salads, watermelon, and celebration cake.
Shrieks of joy wafted over as children jumped in a bouncy house, while others tossed bean bags and played in the grass.
Later, the warmth of the bonfire continued the congeniality of squad members, families, auxiliary members, and dignitaries.