Morristown Ambulance Squad Shuts Down After 58 Years

MORRISTOWN, NJ - After nearly six decades serving the community, the Morristown Ambulance Squad is closing down, effective midnight on New Year's Eve.

"With volunteerism at an all-time low and redevelopment in our town moving us out of our home, we find ourselves unable to meet the demands of the town," the squad said in a statement.

They also thanked some, but not all, of the organizations or their support and mutual aid:

• Morristown PBA Local 43
• Morristown FMBA 43
• Atlantic Paramedics (Atlantic Mobile Health)
• Morris Minute Men EMS
• New Vernon First Aid Squad (New Vernon Volunteer Fire Department)
• Mendham First Aid Squad
• Mendham Township First Aid Squad
• Morristown Airport Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF)
• Morris County Communications Center

In response, the Morristown Department of Public Safety released a statement of their own, calling it the end of an era.

"Morristown EMS, or the Morristown Ambulance Squad as it was known for years, holds a very special place in the hearts of many of the members of the Department of Public Safety. Many of our members at the Police and Fire Bureaus began their public safety careers by volunteering at MAS, dedicating their time to learn a craft that helped our neighbors in their time of need," the said. "For many in our community, this change may not appear significant. We are fortunate to have fantastic emergency medical care and an ambulance will arrive when needed."

Morristown Department of Public Safety noted the increasing demands of a growing, dynamic urban center seems to have outpaced the ability of volunteers to provide those services.

The Chester First Aid Squad said on social media they were sad to see them go.

"We appreciate all you have done, and are extremely grateful for you and the friendships we have made with your members through the years," they said.

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