The Atlantic Highlands First Aid Squad scored another record in July responding to 70 calls. What Would We Do Without Them?
Councilman James Murphy reported the squad’s increase in work activity over the past two years at last week’s meeting of the Borough and council, praising both Chief Lance Hubeny and the squad for their volunteer efforts.
The July total, coupled with a dozen calls answered during the first two weeks of August, means the squad has answered 296 calls so far in 2024 or an average of 1.5 calls per day.
Murphy also noted that nearly every member of the squad turns out for each call, something he termed “an amazing testament to the commitment of our volunteers to serve and protect our families, businesses and overall residents, not to mention inspirational and dedicated leadership.”
Chief Hubeny also praised the squad, Murphy said, saying he expressed “nothing but love and admiration to the many members that have stepped it up and the line officers that are really working hard as volunteers.”
Murphy said Hubeny is working on plans for 2025 with a focus on continuing the momentum and position in fulfilling the needs of the community. He said the squad approved two new members at its last meeting and one of them is beginning EMT school this month.
The Cadet program for first aid is also doing well, with cadets receiving EMS training every week. Hubeny pointed out in his report that cadets have been instrumental in support during EMS calls and are overseen by a team of EMTS in a program led by Kevin Krippa and Hazel Burke, both Eagle Scouts and qualitied EMTs.
Because of the squad’s acquisition of a new (to them) ambulance, volunteers have also been able to respond to mutual aid calls in neighboring Highlands.
Hubeny cited a recent incident when the Highlands squad had an ambulance fire in which one member was injured and had to be transported to the hospital.
The Highlands squad is down to a single emergency vehicle, so line officers of 85-21, the Atlantic Highlands squad, will continue to offer mutual aid during their need, Hubeny said, citing the many times the Highlands squad has assisted this borough in the past.
Reporting on a variety of programs within the Department of Public Works, Murphy also noted that the state Department of Transportation has installed a battery backup system in the state’s traffic light at Route 36 and First Ave. This will enable the light to function when there is power cessation until power is restored or an alternate generator system can be supplied, the councilman said.
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Read About the Squad as it was in 1938 HERE
