New FEMA-Funded Ambulance Arrives For Chester First Aid Squad

The new emergency vehicle was purchased with federal funding and will bolster the volunteer squad's response capabilities.

By Jack Slocum, Patch Staff

Aug 25, 2026 2:00 PM EDT

CHESTER, NJ — The Chester First Aid Squad has added a new ambulance to its fleet, giving the longtime volunteer organization another updated vehicle to respond to emergencies throughout the Chester community.

The new ambulance, which arrived this week, was funded through a Federal Emergency Management Agency grant, according to the squad.

The addition marks a significant investment in CFAS, which has provided volunteer-based emergency medical services in the Chester area for more than 80 years. The organization serves a roughly 31-square-mile area covering more than 9,400 residents and also assists surrounding communities when called.

The new vehicle comes during a period of change for emergency medical services in Chester.

Earlier this year, Chester Township designated Atlantic Health as its primary emergency medical responder around the clock, shifting CFAS into a secondary or backup role in the township. As part of the change, approximately $40,000 in municipal funding previously provided to CFAS was redirected to Atlantic, according to the squad.

CFAS continues to monitor EMS calls throughout Chester and responds when possible to assist residents or provide additional coverage. The volunteer squad also remains the primary emergency medical responder for Chester Borough during weeknights and weekends.

Despite the funding changes, CFAS has said it remains fully operational and continues to maintain its equipment, train members and recruit new volunteers. The organization currently has more than 50 members, including EMTs, drivers and first responders.

The squad traces its roots to 1945, when it began as a branch of the Chester Volunteer Fire Company using a converted Ford station wagon as an ambulance. It became an independent organization in 1987.