[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 58 (Tuesday, April 27, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E776]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    IN HONOR OF THE WEEHAWKEN VOLUNTEER FIRST AID SQUAD ON ITS 30TH 
                              ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 27, 1999

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Weehawken 
Volunteer First Aid Squad for 30 years of dedicated service to the 
community.
  The Weehawken Volunteer First Aid Squad was the first volunteer 
organization of its kind in Hudson County when it was organized in 
1969. Over the last three decades, almost 400 volunteers have served 
the Squad, providing free and indispensable lifesaving ambulance and 
emergency medical service for Weehawken.
  Because of the caliber and dedication of the volunteers, the Squad 
has an excellent two to three minute response time in emergencies. This 
remarkable accomplishment has not only allowed the Squad to respond to 
an estimated 40,000 distress calls but has made it responsible for 
saving countless lives in my district. In fact, the Squad the fastest 
response team of any emergency medical service in the state of New 
Jersey.
  Long thought of as a strictly suburban service, the First Aid Squad 
showed that not only could a volunteer ambulance service operate in 
urban areas, but that they would prove to be an invaluable source of 
support to the residents of these communities. It was so successful in 
this endeavor that it prompted five neighboring towns to follow its 
lead in this important health service.
  On May 7, 1999, the Squad will hold its 30th Anniversary Celebration 
where they will highlight these tremendous accomplishments, as well as 
to thank those who have assisted the organization through the years. 
The individual who will receive an Honorary Life Membership is the 
Mayor of Weehawken, Mr. Richard Turner. Mayor Turner, one of the 
Squad's greatest supporters, has been instrumental in recruiting new 
members, raising funds for a new ambulance, and in ensuring the opening 
of the Squad's state of the art headquarters in 1986.
  The Weehawken First Aid Squad exemplifies leadership and 
professionalism. For its pioneering efforts in the field of emergency 
medicine and for 30 years of service to Weehawken, I am very happy to 
honor and salute the Weehawken First Aid Squad.

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