[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 37 (Friday, February 26, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E178]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE HOBOKEN VOLUNTEER AMBULANCE CORPS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ALBIO SIRES

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 26, 2021

  Mr. SIRES. Madam Speaker, our country is reeling from a pandemic that 
has left over half a million people dead, caused millions to lose their 
jobs, and forced millions more to stay home. Throughout the past year 
of strife, one group of people has carried the burden of the pandemic 
in order to protect our communities. Our nation's first responders have 
continued to put themselves in harm's way to care for others.
  I applaud all the brave first responders in New Jersey's 8th 
District; our brave policemen, firefighters, and healthcare workers, 
but I would like to give special mention to the Hoboken Volunteer 
Ambulance Corps. This all volunteer ambulance corps marks their 50th 
anniversary on Sunday, February 28, 2021. For 50 years the volunteers 
of this unit have served as a volunteer Emergency Management Services 
(EMS) unit and have covered most of Hoboken's calls for ambulance and 
EMS services.
  There are 150 volunteers in this corps, with 10 ambulances and 
emergency vehicles fielding over 5,000 emergency calls each year, and 
over 400,000 total since their founding. Since the COVID-19 pandemic 
started, volunteers from the corps have been working tirelessly to 
continue providing emergency services and transportation to the 
residents of Hoboken even in the face of a severe health crisis. This 
exemplifies the commitment that these volunteers have to their 
community, striving to help others even when presented with grave 
challenges.
  The Hoboken Volunteer Ambulance Corps has maintained their commitment 
to excellence prior to COVID-19 as well. In 2012, when the deadly 
superstorm Sandy ravaged most of New Jersey and the Northeast, the 
Corps jumped into action despite sustaining damage to their 
headquarters and multiple vehicles. They helped evacuate patients from 
Hoboken University Medical Center, which was damaged by flooding, and 
establish a field hospital in the gym of Stevens Institute of 
Technology.
  These are two notable examples of the heroism displayed by the 
Hoboken Volunteer Ambulance Corps, but there are countless other 
stories outlining their positive impact on our community. As the corps 
celebrates 50 years of service, I commend them for the important work 
they do in our community. Hoboken, Hudson County, myself, and countless 
others across the 8th District thank them for their service and 
dedication, and look forward to the next 50 years of service they will 
provide to our grateful community.

                          ____________________