WEFAS Kicks Off 75th Anniversary Celebration With Calendar Sale

The (WEFAS) has never charged a $1 for an ambulance ride in its almost 75-year history.

Now WEFAS is asking for $10 in exchange for a limited-edition 2012 calendar full of vintage images depicting the organization's early history.

Calendars are currently available at Somewhere in Time in Caldwell. They will be for sale outside of ShopRite in West Caldwell on Sunday, Dec. 18, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Proceeds from calendar sales will be used for a community-wide picnic to be held in June as part of WEFAS's year-long 75th anniversary celebration.

All the images in the calendar are historical with the exception of those on the back cover which show the current building on Bloomfield Avenue in West Caldwell and their six emergency vehicles.

The calendar was put together by a committee chaired by volunteer Naomi Moylen. One thousand copies were printed using images belonging mostly to members, many who are second and third generation members.

On Wednesday, past President John Taylor shared with Patch a little history about the West Essex First Aid Squad.

"The charter members were citizens of the community who wanted to band together to help their fellow commuity members with service when someone was sick or injured," Taylor said. "They were able to purchase an ambulance and they got some land for the first aid squad back in 1937."

WEFAS ultimately built a simple garage with an entrance on Bloomfield Avenue. The all-volunteer organization remains on that land three-quarters of a century later, but the building has changed and been modernized through the years.

Today, about 100 volunteers respond to an average of 2,600 calls a year. About 70 of those volunteers are active riding members trained in CPR, First Aid and as Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs).

The organiation's operating expenses are about $220,000 a year, and are paid for largely by individual and corporate contributions.

The community-wide picnic is planned for Saturday, June 2 at the field on Henderson Drive in West Caldwell.

For more information about the West Essex First Aid Squad or to make a donation, visit www.westessexfas.org.