The Weehawken Volunteer First Aid Squad, which provides free ambulance service to Weehawken residents, recently held their annual officer election and award ceremony. “These are all volunteers,” said squad President Jeff Welz. “They give up their time to serve the community and it’s important we give them proper recognition.”
Welz has been a member of the squad for 40 years and was recognized during the ceremony for serving his 30th consecutive term as squad president.
“I wanted to be involved in the community,” said Welz last week. “I’ve always wanted to be involved in helping people.”
Welz said the squad responds to approximately 2,600 calls per year, a relatively high volume for a town with only 13,000 people.
Membership is accepted year round.
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While the priority for the squad is emergencies, Welz added that they can also assist on non-emergencies if someone needs assistance that can be prearranged.
Most squad volunteers work four to five hours one night per week as well as an eight hour shift every fifth weekend.
“The squad works as a team, to make sure all the shifts are covered,” said Welz. “We’re very proud that we’ve never had an open shift. Fortunately, we have a really good structure. We always get coverage.”
In addition to those who volunteer because they want to lend a helping hand, Welz said the squad also attracts people who are considering a career in the medical field, and he personally knows of five previous volunteers who have gone on to be doctors.
“It gives them a chance to actually see if they want to do this kind of work,” said Welz. “They get free training in a college level course and actually get to go out and treat patients.”
Special recognition
On Feb. 19, Mayor Richard Turner presided over the installation of squad officers at the Weehawken Elks Lodge and also presented plaques and awards to recognize personal milestones.
Yves Saad received the Lt. Robert D. Cirri Memorial Award, named for a former Weehawken Squad member who died at the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001 while attempting to evacuate victims. The award is presented to the volunteer who responded to the most calls in a calendar year. Saad answered 276 calls in 2009.
“He always makes himself available,” said Welz. “He has dedicated his life to helping people on ambulances. This is what he does and he’s very good at it.”
Twenty years
Thomas Cheplic joined an elite group of members who have received the Albert Joseph Lavoie Charter Membership Award, which is presented to those who have achieved 20 years of service. Only five have received the honor since the squad’s inception in 1969.
The award is named for squad member and past president Joe Lavoie, who was one of 13 founding members. His son, Wayne, who is also a Charter Member award recipient and an active member of the squad, presented the award.
“I was very proud for not only myself but the organization,” said Cheplic. “I think it demonstrates the commitment of the people that we have.”
Cheplic joined the squad 20 years ago with a little help from the urging of friends. “It was something I had wanted to do,” said Cheplic. “It’s such a cliché, but I definitely had a desire to help others.”
Throughout his tenure on the squad Cheplic has been involved in several extraordinary calls, including those related to Sept. 11 and the plane landing on the Hudson River last year. He said what has kept him going in the squad all of these years is the challenge to keep a tradition that was begun and maintained by good people.
“I think I’m just a reflection of that,” said Cheplic. “We have a lot people who are dedicated and have been there for a long time. I hope that I’m just a testament to everyone that’s put the time and effort into this.”
The Weehawken Volunteer First Aid Squad is continually accepting volunteers. Training is held twice a year, in January and September, but membership is accepted year round. For more information call (201) 319-6046 or visit www.wvfas.org.
Lana Rose Diaz can be reached at ldiaz@hudsonreporter.com.