Howell First Aiders Fete Founding Member For 90th Birthday

HOWELL, NJ — Nearly 60 years ago, John Menschner Sr. was a Howell Township resident who saw a need in his community: for people to assist others in times of medical emergencies.

The Howell Township First Aid & Rescue Squad, which Menschner and a group of men founded to meet that need, will be marking a milestone in February — 60 years of existence.

Recently, the squad took time out to help Menschner celebrate a milestone of his own: his 90th birthday.

The squad posted photos and a video from the celebration on Facebook:

"Today was a special day for the squad. We were able to celebrate the 90th birthday of our Founding Member- John Menschner Sr. John started our squad in 1957 and still actively participates at our meetings and whenever we are having an event. It's great to be able to have a living piece of history with us," squad officials wrote in the Facebook post.

"We will always be forever grateful to John for what he has done for the community and for us over the years!" the post read.

On the squad's website, it recounts its history:

"In the beginning, the squad responded to a only handful of calls. The very first call was a motor vehicle accident in which a pedestrian was struck and killed in front of the Deerhead Inn (which is now the Ivy League). The closest hospital to Howell was Paul Kimball hospital in Lakewood which did not have an emergency room. Members would drive a patient to the hospital, park, and ring the door bell for assistance. Other patients were taken directly to doctor's offices," the site says.

"When first aid was needed, the State Police would contact Rita Swan, who lived on Rustic Drive. She would then walk outside and press a button on the telephone pole, which would activate the siren to alert members there was a call."

Today, the squad's training has expanded to include vehicle extrication, trauma life support, hazmat awareness training and more.

"We proudly have eight American Heart Associaion CPR Instructors and 5 CEVO (Emergency Vehicle Operator) instructors," the squad notes.

Teen members have been serving in the squad's Cadet Corps since 1976.

"They train and work under the direct supervision of senior members on first aid calls, attending most of the same training classes that the squad members do. Many of our cadets go on to join "senior Squad" when they turn 18," the site notes.

With updates in radio technology and radio systems our squad went from a phone call and a siren, to some one calling 911 and every member getting the call through a pager system. The Howell Township Police Department Communications Center receives the call, dispatches the squad, and within minutes members respond to the call. A major difference from the start," it noted.

Now, the squad bills the insurance companies of patients to help pay for supplies and new equipment, and also has two paid EMTs who work four days a week to guarantee a faster response time.

Watch the video of the celebration below:

Photos via Howell Township First Aid and Rescue Squad 1