“Building for the Future” is Underway
Chatham Emergency Squad’s (CES) “Building for the Future” project has begun. The work at the Spring Street site recently began. The $1.7 million building project is set to modernize the existing squad buildings. This is the largest project ever embarked upon during the squads’ 86-year history.
Renovations to the squad buildings at 31 North Passaic Avenue and 45 Spring Street are designed to better leverage and support the emergency responders’ time, skills, and commitment to the squad. Necessary upgrades will also create modernized facilities from which the EMTs can continue to provide immediate, skilled, and free emergency medical service to the community. Everyone will benefit from the facilities’ renovations and enhancements, including squad members, neighbors, and Chatham residents.
The renovation will provide the squad with a dedicated CPR training area as well as upgrades to the lecture and instruction space. Modernized training technology as well as added meeting and office space are also part of the upgrade project. At the Spring Street building the renovations include adding a second floor for sleeping quarters for the overnight crew, renovating common areas, adding space for storage, and providing private work spaces for crew members. The small building addition off the ambulance bay will accommodate separate spaces for an isolated oxygen station, decontamination area, as well as enclosed trash and recycling areas.
The ”Building for the Future” project came to be after careful consideration, study and planning as how to best attract, train, and retain qualified volunteer EMTs. CES has determined that modernizing and overhauling the squad’s existing facilities is essential to ensuring its membership and its ability to continue to provide free emergency medical services to the Chatham community.
So far, CES has raised $1,350,000 but is still looking to secure another $350,000 in order to complete the project. As a primarily donor-funded organization, CES relies upon the community’s consistent and generous support. Just as the squad has never failed to respond, community members have never failed to demonstrate their support. The squad is grateful for any donation which can be made at the squad’s website at: chathamemergencysquad.org or by mailing a check to: Chatham Emergency Squad P.O. Box 609 Chatham, NJ 07928 Attn: Campaign Donations.
CES is an all-volunteer squad that provides basic life support emergency care to Chatham residents, businesses, and visitors. Ninety percent of squad’s budget is paid for by donations from Chatham residents and other donors. CES provides stand-by service for special events including Chatham High School varsity football games, Turkey Trots, Fishawack Festival, and other special events. CES is committed to providing CPR training to Chatham first responders, teachers, members of the DPW staffs and the public. CES is always interested in speaking with potential members.
Courtesy photo
