Newly-Formed Ambulance Corps Kicks Off First Donation Drive

Mahwah residents should expect to receive in their mailboxes this week the first donation solicitation letter sent out by Mahwah Emergency Medical Services.

Ambulance Corps volunteers and township officials released statements Wednesday afternoon urging locals to consider donating to the newly-formed entity.

Mahwah EMS was formed over the summer and has been responding to emergency medical calls in the township ever since.

The all-volunteer organization formed from a majority of the active membership from the previous two ambulance groups serving the township, Company 1 and Company 4. Ambulance corps members say the new group is unified and can respond to incidents in the township in a more organized way.

In July, some exempt members of the Corps stripped the ambulance building on Franklin Turnpike and ambulances of furniture and equipment. Mahwah EMS members say they are still working to restock, and that the donation drive will help do that.

“I am proud of what this group of volunteers has done, and they continue to serve our town,” Mayor Bill Laforet said in a statement Wednesday. “I am asking residents to please support them.”

About the drive, Corps members said they are, “rejuvenated, dedicated, and excited, but we need resident support.”

"The generous support from all will provide much need funding for the purchase of equipment, medical supplies, training and vehicle maintenance," squad Treasurer and Fund Drive Chairman Walt Seaman said. "The squad is consistently looking to replace, update and improve its equipment, [and] replenish medical supplies."

Residents can donate by responding to the mail solicitation they receive, or visiting www.MahwahEMS.org and click on "Donate."