NJ’s most storied Volunteer EMT passes away at age 94

Walter McKinley formerly of Hazlet and Keyport passed away last weekend at his daughter’s home in Florida. He was a long standing member of both Keyport and Hazlet’s Volunteer First Aid Squads. Walter served on the Hazlet First Aid Squad for 58 years aggregating over 30,000 volunteer hours for the Hazlet First Aid Squad alone. He was an active member of Keyport’s First Aid Squad for 22 years also. It has been said that Walter trained more than 50% of the senior EMTs now serving the Monmouth County area during his tenure as an EMT Instructor. Walter also served as President of the New Jersey State First Aid Council. Walter responded to 911 dispatches on ambulances into his nineties. In his life, he helped thousands of people in our communities who were in distress.

Chief Schmidt of the Hazlet First Aid Squad was proctored by Walter in his earliest years on the Squad, “Walter was loved by all and was the heart of our Squad. He will be deeply missed.”

Hazlet First Aid Squad President and former Chief Jim Cavuto noted,”Walt was a true leader. He held almost every officer position on the Hazlet squad including Chief and President. He was also a past President and Chaplain, a position he held for many years, of the NJ First Aid Council".

Chief Krohe of the Keyport First Aid Squad added, “Walter deeply valued our community with his service and was a mentor for all entering the ranks of Volunteer EMTs.” Walter ended his official teaching career with Northern Monmouth EMT Program in Keyport just a few years ago at age 91.

"Mayor Sue Kiley of Hazlet noted,” This man always went above and beyond to serve the people of our community. His dedicated service for 58 years was truly remarkable and continues to have an ongoing impact on our Town’s Volunteer forces. Hazlet has been blessed with incredible Volunteers in our First Responders ranks and Walter stands out among them. Hazlet will never be able to repay Walter’s generosity with his time and compassionate service.” The Mayor has ordered all town’s flags be flown at half-mast on Thursday and Friday of this week during his funeral and interment. The Hazlet Police to escort the funeral procession from Keyport on Friday to the Atlantic View Cemetery in Manasquan, NJ on Friday.

Walter will be honored at the Day Funeral Home 361 Maple Place Keyport, NJ on Thursday March 30th from 2-4pm and 7-9pm. Funeral Services are Friday March 31st at 10:00am at Saint John’s Methodist Church Hazlet, NJ

More details at

http://www.dayfuneralhome.com/... ….