Cedar Grove Ambulance and Rescue Squad Installs Returning Officers, Receives Award

On Saturday, Jan. 29., the Cedar Grove Ambulance and Rescue Squad held their annual Installation Dinner Dance at the Valley Regency in Clifton. It is a night in which all current and active members are thanked for their service to the organization, and also for the new and returning officers for the year to be sworn in.  The Squad’s Administrative Officers for 2011 are Shannon Durkin, President; Doug Giblin, Vice-President; Chris Stanecki, Treasurer; Jim Loosse, Assistant Treasurer, MaryAnn Niemiec, Recording Secretary; and Ashley Torres, Corresponding Secretary.  The Operational Officers include John H. Bannon, Captain; John Marchetti, Assistant Captain; Jack Newkirk, Rescue Lieutenant; and Ricky Tempesta, Ambulance Lieutenant.

The evening featured the presentation of a number of different awards, both for members and non-members. Among the awards for members, Ed O’Connell, Sandy Huber and Gene Niemiec were recognized for 25 years of service, John C. Bannon for 15 years, and Lindsey Calligaro for 5 years.  Additionally, Doug Giblin received an Exceptional Duty Award for answering nearly 600 emergency calls in 2010.  Doug responded to over one-third of the total calls for the year, and put in a total of 1,582 man hours of service.

Awards are given annually to recognize the Cedar Grove police officers for all the help and support they provide when the Squad responds to calls. This year three officers were recognized:  Steven Baird, Dominick Buscio, and Michael Tower.  Awards were also presented to Gabby San Roman and her family and friends, for holding an annual lemonade stand at Foodtown to benefit the Squad. A special award was presented to the Cedar Grove Elks, and Mike Grabas accepted on behalf of that organization. The award recognized the continuous dedication the Elks display in holding fundraisers to benefit various individuals and organizations, including the Cedar Grove Ambulance and Rescue Squad. Their dedication continues still, as they are scheduled to hold another Pancake Breakfast to benefit our organization. This breakfast will be a joint effort of both the Squad and the Elks, and will be held at the Squad building on Sunday, April 10, from 8 a.m.-1 p.m., so mark your calendars!

In a surprise turn of events, the Cedar Grove Ambulance and Rescue Squad received an award!  James Simpson, Chief of the Montclair Ambulance Unit, presented Captain John H. Bannon and President Shannon Durkin with a plaque recognizing the mutual aid support that the Squad provides for the town of Montclair when the need arises.

Finally, recognition must surely be given to Town Councilman Joe Chiusolo, who successfully performed the Heimlich Maneuver on someone at his table that was choking. His fast thinking and quick response not only prevented serious harm to that person, but also allowed the evening to continue virtually without interruption! The Squad is always looking for people who have a desire to help people in need, like Joe did, and we would welcome him, or anyone else that may be interested in joining the Squad, to call us at 973-239-6604, and talk to the Membership Committee about becoming a member.