Ambulance Squad raising funds for new vehicle

By Paul Greulich, Staff Writer
The Glen Ridge Ambulance Squad is preparing to bid farewell to one of its oldest members — the ambulance designated as “Squad 3,” which has been in use since 1994.
After carrying hundreds of ailing patients to care centers and hospitals, the vehicle itself is needing more and more care. The squad is requesting assistance from residents to raise $95,000 by April 2012 to purchase a new ambulance.
At this point Squad 3 is serving as a backup vehicle when the squad’s primary ambulance, Squad 2, is in the shop or out on the road responding to a call.
“It’s here and its serviceable but its 17 years old,” squad Capt. Chris Landers said of the older vehicle, a van. “We’re not worried it’s about to die, but it takes more work to keep it going than it used to.”
Squad 3 was built by McCoy Miller on a Ford E350 chassis. While it only has 28,000 miles on it, important equipment and design features in the rear of vehicle where patients are treated are outdated.
Some of these systems have been upgraded, but others, like the heating, air conditioning, ventilation, storage and safety features are permanently built in. There is also less space in Squad 3 than its more modern counterpart.
Though squad members are looking forward to getting their hands on a better vehicle, there is some sentimental attachment to Squad 3.
“It served us well for many years, but its been decided it is time to update it,” Landers said.
Not everyone will be sad to see the old battle wagon retired, however. Crew Chief Michael Dalton helped design the specifications for the new ambulance, keeping in mind some of his firsthand experience with the limitations of the current model, including the space issue.
“As someone who is relatively tall, I’m going to be thrilled when it goes away,” said Dalton, who is 6 feet 1 inch.
Landers said other squads and health care organizations have expressed interest in buying it for continued use as an ambulance elsewhere.
The new ambulance is expected to cost $135,000. The squad already has some money set aside for the expense, but letters have been sent out to residents asking for their help in raising the funds needed. Landers hopes the citizens of Glen Ridge will aid the squad as they always do.
“They’ve been very supportive of us in the past and we’re hopeful they will be again,” Landers said.
The Glen Ridge Volunteer Ambulance Squad responds to more than 800 calls a year.
A fundraising page has been established on the social-network website Facebook. Anyone interested in learning more can visit https://www.facebook.com/rseidon.
Donations can be sent to GRVAS, 3 Herman St., Glen Ridge, NJ 07028. Attn: New Ambulance Fund
Paul Greulich can be reached at 908-686-7700, ext. 121.
, or at glenridgepaper@thelocalsource.com.