Volunteers Prove Age Holds No Limits While Serving On Martinsville Rescue Squad

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — From teenagers to retirees, these volunteers are giving their time to be there for their fellow community members on what could be the worst day of their lives.

Bridgewater’s Martinsville Rescue Squad is an all-volunteer emergency medical service located at 1771 Washington Valley Road.

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Evan Lerner

Evan Lerner, who has been a volunteer for six years, said the squad provides basic life support.

"Anytime anyone calls 911 we show up if their medical issue is urgent," he said.

Lerner has always given his time to the community. He previously served on the Board of Education and Planning Board.

"I love helping people," said Lerner. "It's not car wreck after bloody mess; it's really just mostly helping people who are ill in their community who can't help themselves. A lot of mundane calls, and some adrenaline... It's just helping the community in a way that's much, much more hands-on than at least in my experience in the Board of Ed or Planning Board. You're really impacting people on what could be the worst day of their lives."

London Chadwell

London Chadwell, 19, of Middlesex, said he joined the squad a few months ago after a personal loss and time in intensive care changed his outlook.

"My best friend passed, and then I was in the ICU, and then I realized I wanted to help people," Chadwell said. "From there I just got into it completely and fell in love with it."

He said he plans to become an EMT, then a paramedic and ultimately a trauma nurse.

"You get something from a fall to literally someone's having a heart attack, there's no in between," said London.

In his short time on the squad, Chadwell said he already loves it.

"They treat you like family, really. I'm not just saying that either. I'm here for three months now, and everyone is really, really nice; it is a really good place," said London.

He encouraged high school students to get involved in the squad, especially those who are looking to become doctors.

"It's good to see this type of stuff, because sometimes it gets hectic and crazy, so it's good to see the bad days about the job," said London.

Elizarea "Liz" Martin

Elizarea "Liz" Martin, who lives in Bridgewater, said she joined after seeing squad members hosting a fundraiser outside Lifetime Gym.

"I'vealways been drawn to anything that has to do with medicine, and all my life, since I can remember, I was a family caregiver, since really as a child. So I came and interviewed, and I was just so ecstatic about being on the squad. I love the fact that it's volunteer; we don't get paid, and I like that it's a different kind of culture," said Martin.

Martin took EMT classes after joining at 69 and is now a full EMT.

"I'm 70, and I'm going to do it as long as I can," Martin said.

Martin also volunteers with the Board of Health as a medical reserve corps offering free clinics in the community and also with Habitat for Humanity.

She shared that Lerner is a "jewel" and noted how they have similar interests in helping the community.

"We just love to help people in any way we can. We just love to help, not looking for accolades or anything, but just help and not expect anything, and be a servant. Just be a servant, serving," said Martin.

Amy Nocera

Amy Nocera, an EMT who has volunteered with the squad since 2018 and has lived in Martinsville for about 30 years, said her reason for volunteering is personal.

"When I was five years old, my mother had a very serious heart attack, and if there hadn't been a rescue squad that showed up at the house, got her to the hospital pronto, I would have grown up without a mother," said Nocera, who is 62.

"I always thought that, if I had the opportunity, the time, the wherewithal, I would like to repay that debt. That's why I'm volunteering," said Nocera. "Everybody's got different reasons. And you want to help your neighbor and all that. For me, it was very personal. It changed my whole life."

She also said the role takes family support because calls can come on holidays, including Thanksgiving and Christmas.

"If you have a spouse or you have kids at home, it impacts everybody in the family. So it's really a team effort. I wouldn't be able to do this if my husband wasn't supporting me," said Nocera.

Grant Dequina

Grant Dequina, a Bridgewater-Raritan senior, said he joined during his sophomore year after learning more about EMS through anatomy class and a cadet recruitment visit at school.

He said he has been an EMT since November 2024 and hopes to become an emergency room doctor.

"I love it, I love volunteering," Dequina said, who also volunteers with the Manville Rescue Squad.

Dequina said he likes meeting different people and seeing different scenarios unfold while responding to calls.

"It's a lot of you just never know what you're gonna get on a call, and I love that sort of adrenaline rush of going on a call that someone's life is really in your hands," said Dequina. "And you have to step up to the plate and make sure that you're going with the skills you've learned, and that you're willing to step out of your comfort zone, and maybe take the lead on things."

Some of the calls include responding to overdoses in the community.

"It's not something that we see day to day, but it is something that is an issue in Bridgewater and the other areas we cover, Manville, Somerville," said Dequina. "Clearly it's not great to see that members of the community are struggling with these issues, and the only time people find out is when we get called to them, and they're unresponsive and not breathing."

Overall, being put in these scenarios has helped Dequina to focus and take charge, especially when he knows "someone's life is on the line."

The consensus among the volunteers is that while the work is demanding, the chance to help neighbors in a crisis makes the commitment worthwhile.

How To Get Involved

The Martinsville Volunteer Rescue Squad has been providing volunteer emergency services to Martinsville and Bridgewater since 1957.

Martinsville is one of four volunteer rescue squads in Bridgewater.

Martinsville and Green Knoll share territory, while Bradley Gardens and Finderne operate as volunteer squads from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Daytime coverage in those two territories is handled by Robert Wood Johnson and described additional overnight and weekend mutual aid coverage among five territories.

Lerner said volunteer squads have been struggling to attract members.

The state pays for EMT training for volunteers who commit to staying three years. Lerner said this is a big benefit since the training costs more than $2,000 without that support.

For more information about donating or volunteering with Martinsville Rescue Squad, visit bridgewaterems.org or facebook.com/martinsvillerescuesquad.

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