Keeping History Alive

As summer with its warm weather approaches, so does a special date in Colts Neck history. July 1 marks the date when the Colts Neck First Aid Squad started serving the community 55 years ago in 1967. (The incorporation was October 27, 1966; however, the squad did not actually start operations until July the following year.) Before its opening, Colts Neck did not have an ambulance service and relied on other towns to respond to emergencies. This, however, took a considerable amount of time as well as resources from other towns, which is why a group of concerned Colts Neck firefighters decided enough was enough; the town of Colts Neck deserved its own ambulance service to provide care to its residents.

The township agreed with the group of men that the need was there and leased part of the township’s old hall located on 537 to the newly formed first aid squad at a cost of $1 per year. The building was a one garage house with a white door and black lettering above reading Colts Neck First Aid Squad. The organization would then go on to purchase its first two ambulances: first a 1960 Cadillac Miller-Meteor Guardian and later on a 1966 Cadillac Miller-Meteor Volunteer ambulance. In its first year alone, the Colts Neck First Aid Squad would respond to 77 calls for help. From just two ambulances, the squad has grown with now four ambulances to keep up with the increasing population. The 77 calls from the first year have now risen to over 600 calls for help anually.

Since its start, the Colts Neck First Aid Squad has remained volunteer, allowing those in need to receive high quality, professional care free of charge. This is done through donations but most importantly by our selfless volunteers, without whom the squad would not exist. If you are interested in helping your town and neighbors, please visit our website at coltsneckfirstaid.org for more information.

Help us continue our history of volunteer excellence by becoming a member today!

Joseph Santoro, Colts Neck First Aid Squad Historian