Dover-Brick EMS Helps Community Once More With $500K Gift For OCC Nursing, Health Students

TOMS RIVER, NJ — The Dover-Brick Beach EMS, no longer answering calls for assistance, has given back to help the community one last time.

The squad, which ended its operations in 2022 because of a lack of volunteers, has donated $500,000 to Ocean County College to establish a scholarship fund to help students studying health sciences.

"The Dover-Brick Beach First Aid Squad proudly provided prehospital emergency medical services along the Barrier Island sections of both Brick and Toms River townships for 70 years," the organization said in a statement. "Founded in 1952, dedicated volunteers staffed ambulances and treated medical emergencies without charge to the public."

"In honor of those dedicated volunteers who gave of themselves and in celebration of their service to the community, Dover-Brick Beach First Aid Squad offers financial support to those pursuing studies in the Public Health/Sciences Fields," the statement said.

The EMS squad sold its property on 2nd Avenue in 2022 for more than $1.7 million, part of which was used to pay off debts, including the cost of its building, which was constructed in 2006-07.

"This major gift is an example of the Dover-Brick Beach First Aid Squad’s commitment to health care and public health, a testament to its years of service to the Ocean County community, and a recognition of the important role Ocean County College plays in preparing our students to serve that community in the future," said Ken Malagiere, executive director of the Ocean County College Foundation.

"The Ocean County College Foundation is honored to receive such a generous gift," Malagiere said. "This expendable fund will be dedicated to scholarships in nursing and the health sciences as well as support public health programming for Ocean County College students, and our broader community."

The Ocean County College Foundation is a private nonprofit organization dedicated to the growth and development of Ocean County College through scholarships, endowments, and capital and special projects.