By Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta
The Chatham Emergency Squad sends many congratulations to Will Carey. Carey is a Chatham resident who recently completed his basic training/boot camp and earned his infantry blue cord with the National Guard. The Squad is excited to welcome him back home to Chatham.
This accomplishment is something Carey aspired to since a young age; he was inspired by his dad who was a firefighter. “I don’t know how to feel outside of happy,” he said. “I’m happy with the path I chose and happy to be a member of that fraternity.”
Carey grew up being a Boy Scout. He enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking and also water sports such as rafting. He grew up in Chatham, went to Chatham High, and to Colorado Mountain College, Leadville, Colorado. He joined the Chatham Emergency Squad in 2014.
Joe Korkuch, Captain of the Chatham Emergency Squad is very proud of Will’s accomplishment in earning his blue cord with the National Guard. “Since joining the Chatham Emergency Squad, Will has made his mark as a strong and reliable EMT, and we’re lucky to have him,” Korkcuch said, adding, “We’re very fortunate to have a strong membership base filled with many volunteers who provide great service to the Chatham community.”
The Chatham Emergency Squad was created in 1936 by action of the Chatham Borough Council. Since then, as the Borough and Township have grown, so have the responsibilities of the Squad. The number of emergency calls handled annually has grown from 22 in 1950 to about 1100 in recent years.
The Squad always welcomes inquiries from potential volunteers to fill openings on their team. They are most eager for volunteers who can serve on daytime shifts on weekdays or nighttime shifts on weekends. If you are at least 18-years-old and not enrolled in high school, you can volunteer to be a full-fledged member. If you are at least 16-years-old and enrolled in high school, you can volunteer for their cadet program.
All new members are enrolled in an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) course taught by professionals in emergency medicine. Tuition is fully paid by the Squad. On successful completion of the course, a member is certified as an EMT by the State of New Jersey.
There are also fringe benefits which include discounts, accident disability insurance, education assistance, special license plates, and jury duty exemption.
The Chatham Emergency Squad is located at 45 Spring Street, Chatham, New Jersey. For more information, visit: chathamemergencysquad.org or call 973-377-1131.
Photos courtesy of Chatham Emergency Squad
(above) Chatham EMT Will Carey.
(above) Carey’s uniform.
(above) Chatham Emergency Squad.
