Lavallette Honors EMTs, Last of the Island’s Volunteer Squads, Following Busy Year

Lavallette First Aid members honored at the May 22, 2023 council meeting. (Photo: Shorebeat)

Lavallette honored its volunteer emergency medical technicians this week to mark National Emergency Medical Services Week, with the mayor and council formally declaring the week for the borough’s squad in a proclamation.

The praise for the borough’s EMTs comes as the island is more stretched for EMS coverage than ever before. Lavallette First Aid is now the sole remaining all-volunteer squad on the island, with the closure of Dover-Brick Beach EMS recently. Tri-Boro First Aid utilizes a mix of volunteers and paid, full-time EMTs, while Toms River and Brick have largely converted to paid squads covered by their police departments.

“It speaks volumes to one’s character and their dedication to this community,” said Councilman James Borowski, about his fellow squad members.

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Councilman David Finter is also a volunteer EMT in town. At times, both men have had to leave council meetings to respond to a call. The squad is consistently seeking new members, and last year responded to a staggering 385 calls for service. The squad provides service for Lavallette as well as mutual aid for neighboring communities.

“If you’re so inclined, please volunteer,” said Finter. “Your training is paid for and you can do some great things for our town and surrounding towns.”

Those interested in volunteering can visit the squad’s website for more information or call 732-793-7390 to speak with the captain about membership. The squad’s non-emergency number is 732-793-4813.

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Correction: The number of annual calls for service was updated.