RESCUE SQUAD LOOSES ONE OF THEIR OWN - April 2008
On April 20th former Captain Shirley Cattabianni passed away. Shirley was on the rescue squad for 10 years. Shirley's trademark is the annual Tree of Lights ceremony. Shirley was able to get the tree donated and in the bitter cold winter started a tradition which still lives today after 18 years. Shirley touched many lives while on the squad and was an inspirational leader. We will miss her very much!
RESCUE SQUAD BEGINS BUILDING EXPANSION - April 2008
It has been a long time coming. We have been saving and thanks to your financial support we are finally able to start our building renovation Phase 2 project. We will be putting and addition onto our existing bays to be able to 'piggyback' our ambulances and create a space for hands on skills training. This addition will also give us the ability of not having to let the air out of our air suspension every time we go in and out of the bays.
WATCHUNG JOINT EXTRICATION TEAM DISBANDED
After much deliberations, and attempts to resolve issues between the fire department and the rescue squad; the squad has decided to disband the joint extrication team effective January 1, 2008
WATCUNG RESCUE SQUAD MEMBERS RECOGNIZED 2007
Walt Niegisch - recipient of the 2007 Governor's EMS Award
Don Monetti - Recipient of the 2007 STAR Award
Ross Innocenti - Recipient of the Excellence in EMS Award from Overlook Hospital
WATCHUNG RESCUE ATV/NORTH STAR CALL 5-07
The squad recently responded to a ATV accident where the victim was thrown approximately 40 ft from the vehicle into a tree. Here are some pictures of North Star Helicopter
WATCHUNG RESCUE AND WARREN MAKE AGREEMENT 10-10-06
Recently, the Watchung Rescue Squad Extrication Team was able to formalize a mutual aid agreement with Warren Rescue team. This agreement was passed by both Warren council by a declaration and by the Watchung council by declaration. This is a historical event for both organizations.
BUILDING RENOVATION UPDATE 10-10-06
Finally after 12 long years of planning and saving the renovation process began November 1, 2005. We are moving forward with out goal of expanding our building forward. The plans have been submitted to the borough and we are scheduled to meet with the planning board in November.
2006 MAYORS REGATTA
What a great time was had at this event. There were participants from many community groups. Once again the Mayor's Cup slipped out of our hands. The rescue squad won 2 of the three races and came in 2nd placee this year to the Boy Scouts. Congratulations to the Boy Scouts - the 2006 Mayors Regatta winners.
WATCHUNG POLICE LOSE ONE OF THEIR OWN - 3-8-06
Watchung Police mourn the loss of Officer Matthew Melchionda. Matt was the first Watchung officer to die in the line of duty. Donations may be made in memory of Matt. Please contact the Watchung police department if you would like to make a memorial donation.
LOCAL RESIDENT RAISES MONEY FOR THE RESCUE SQUAD
At the 2005 Concert In the Park, Rachel Palekar, a local resident decided to set up a consession stand and donate all the proceeds to the Watchung Rescue Squad. This was her way of saying 'Thank You' to the rescue squad for responding when her grandfather needed them.
The rescue squad appreciated this very much!