SBPA donates $1,000 to Somerville Rescue Squad

The Somerville Business and Professional Association donated $1,000 to the Somerville First Aid & Rescue Squad during a ceremony on Oct. 10 at its auxiliary headquarters in Raritan.

The all-volunteer squad, founded in 1928, has 90 members and is one of the oldest all-volunteer emergency medical services organizations in the United States. It is the oldest inland rescue squad in New Jersey. The Raritan Rescue Squad was merged into the Somerville squad a few years ago.

“We couldn’t think of a better or more deserving organization to support,” said Paul Sanford, SBPA president.

“They are first responders; they take care of people and there’s nothing more important than getting to a person right away when they are in trouble,” he added. “That’s vital.”

Sanford said the SBPA donation is also a means to draw attention to the importance of the squad and its members to the community.

“Sometimes, they’re overlooked; people don’t think about them until they need them, but when they do, they call and they’re always there,” he said.

As an independent not-for-profit organization, the Somerville Rescue Squad is funded entirely by donations from the people, business, and municipalities it serves. Donations are always needed to ensure the squad continues to respond to emergency calls in Somerville and Raritan.

Information is available on the squad’s website, www.Rescue54.org.