Morris Minute Men Honor Two Youths

The following information was provided by The Morris Minute Men.

At their Tuesday meeting, the honored two young Morris Plains residents for their support of the 70-year-old volunteer emergency medical service.

Matt Wendorff and Jack Keller, 8-year-olds in the , both supported the Morris Minute Men in their own unique ways.

Matt was struck by a car last year while helping his parents distribute flyers for the to support Habitat for Humanity. Two Morris Minute Men crews immediately responded and Matt was taken by Minute Men ambulance to Morristown Medical Center. Matt recovered fully, and at this year’s event, he took up a collection which he gave to Lt. Schulz, who had treated him and transported him to the hospital.

For the past three years, Jack Keller has told his parents that he did not want any presents for his birthday. Instead, he asked his family and friends to donate to the Morris Minute Men. Jack is proud of his connection with the Minute Men. His grandfather, Marty Reilly, and his uncle, Morris Township Chief of Police Dennis Reilly, are “past-active” members, and his teen cousin Katie Reilly is currently an active EMT with the squad.

Both young people were awarded special Morris Minute Men commemorative coins and honored with a standing ovation by the squad.

Minute Men President Linda Omaggio thanked Matt and Jack and said, “You should be proud of the service you are already doing in your community. Your parents should be proud of the care and concern you show for your neighbors in Morris Plains. We hope to see you when you are 16 years old and eligible to join the Morris Minute Men.”

The Morris Minute Men have been serving the people of Morris Plains and Morris Township without charge since 1942. The squad consists entirely of volunteers and is completely supported by donations.

This past year, 2010, the Morris Minute Men received awards as the best volunteer squad in Morris County, the State of New Jersey and the United States, while Minute Men Captain Mark Wintle was honored as EMT of the Year by the National Association of EMTs.