Vernon C. “Babs” Oakes, Alvin Sloan, and Kenneth Cregar saw the need to create a squad devote to emergency assistance in 1936. Eight six years later, the Washington Emergency Squad remains an integral part of Washington Borough and Washington Township when it comes to taking care of people in need of emergency care.

Oakes, considered the founder, would become the Squad’s first captain, Sloan was the Borough Mayor, and Cregar was a fireman, as well as police and fire commissioner. 

For over eight decades the Squad, which started as an extension of the fire department, has responded to thousands and thousands of calls, saved thousands of people, and without a doubt, has earned every accolade that has come its way. On Saturday Nov. 5, the Washington Emergency Squad will receive a Special Recognition Award at the Warren County Hall of Fame dinner. The event is hosted by the Warren Community College Foundation. 

This year’s Hall of Fame inductee includes Dr. Nick Avallone (healthcare), Charles Fineran (law enforcement/environment/volunteer), Paul Sterbenz (business/non-profit supporter), Carolyn Wolf (volunteer), and Gary Gray, and posthumously Marie Maier. 

Originally an all-volunteer squad, Washington now has a combination of paid responders and volunteers.

“The Washington Emergency Squad proudly continues to deliver emergency medical and rescue services to the area,” said Charles Van Deursen, the Squad’s President. “We have touched the lives in one way or another of a majority of the residents of both Washington Borough and Township and residents are appreciative of the services we provide.”

“As a former mayor I have witnessed the quality of service that the Washington Emergency Squad provides on a daily basis to our residents,” said Samir Elbassiouny, WCC’s Foundation Executive Director. “Kudos to their outstanding leadership – and fiscal responsibility as an organization.”

Van Deursen and Bill Hepp are the two longest reigning members of the Squad, each with 35 years. Charles’ son Mark, the Squad’s Chief, is the third longest member of the Squad with 22 years.

Charles Van Deursen notes that the Squad is always looking for more volunteers. They currently have only eight. 

“We need volunteer members to continue providing this service,” he said. “The EMT shortage is not just here in Washington but a national issue. The initial training period may be a bit intense, but we do not require much other than be available for emergencies and maintain your certification. The more volunteers we have, the less of a burden on the individual members.”

Those interested in becoming a volunteer will get help from the Washington Emergency Squad, which offers full membership with basic training included. They also offer associate memberships for those already with EMT certification employed by other agencies.

For those interested in learning more about the Squad, go to http://www.83rescue.org or go to Facebook Page: Washington Emergency Squad. For those who want to volunteer, there are links on both the website and Facebook page. 

The Washington Emergency Squad is always looking for financial help as well. In addition to an annual fund drive through the mail, checks can be mailed to Washington Emergency Squad, POB #4, Washington NJ 07882. Donations go toward training, equipment, maintenance and other related expenses. 

The Hall of Fame Dinner is open to the public. For ticket information and other details, email samir@warren.edu.