Our History
The Squad was established in 1951 by concerned township residents to provide emergency first aid services to Pequannock Township. Prior to that, the Pompton Lakes-Riverdale First Aid Squad served the area.
The Squad’s original building was located on Route 23, where Rentals Unlimited now stands; the original structure still remains there. In 1958, the current building was constructed on land leased by the First Reformed Church of Pompton Plains to the Township of Pequannock, which then subleased it to the First Aid Squad. The building was dedicated in 1959, with the church as the original mortgage holder. The mortgage has since been fully paid off.
Initially, the building housed two ambulances that exited through side doors. To hold squad meetings, the ambulances had to be moved outside, as the structure was a basic four-wall design. In 1968, the building was expanded to include new ambulance bays, while the old bays were converted into the current meeting room, kitchen, and bathrooms.
Recent renovations have further modernized the facility. The ambulance bay now features four entrances—two in the front and two in the rear—and accommodates a second floor with a crew lounge, bunk rooms, and restroom facilities.
Our Responsibility
The Squad provides emergency medical services and transportation within its coverage area, including Pequannock Township, portions of Kinnelon accessible from Jacksonville Road, and part of Riverdale on Harrison Road. The Squad also assists the Fire Department by standing by at all structure fires.
In line with its mission, the Squad sponsors First Aid and CPR classes for the public, conducts demonstrations and lectures for schools and civic groups, and offers free loans of recuperative equipment such as crutches, walkers, and wheelchairs. The Squad remains committed to promoting its core value of giving back to the community.
Our Organization
The Squad is an independent, not-for-profit corporation governed by a constitution and by-laws, and is not an agency of the Township government. It operates under the authority of a three-member Board of Trustees, which holds the final decision-making power. The Board includes one Squad member, one citizen at large from the township, and one member of the Township Council. The Squad Trustee and Citizen Trustee are elected by the Squad for three-year terms.
The Squad has two types of officers: administrative and operational.
- Administrative officers include the President, Vice President, Treasurer, Recording Secretary, and Corresponding Secretary.
- Operational officers include the Chief, Captain, and Lieutenant.
Each officer is elected by Squad members for a one-year term. Administrative and operational officers may serve up to two consecutive terms, except for the Treasurer, who can serve an unlimited number of terms.
Our Membership
The primary membership classes include active, exempt, active-exempt, probationary, ambulance assistant, cadet, and associate. Additional honorary and special membership categories, such as physician and clergy, are also available.
All members, including seniors and cadets, begin as probationary members. The probationary period allows new members to familiarize themselves with Squad operations and build relationships with other members. For adult members, this period typically lasts six months. Upon completing probation, an adult member becomes an active member. Active members have voting rights at Squad meetings and are eligible to hold office.
Associate members, while not participating in ambulance calls, provide vital support by assisting with administrative and business functions.