The Weehawken Volunteer First Aid Squad recently celebrated its 45th year of providing free ambulance and medical services to the residents of Weehawken with a gala banquet at the Greycliff in Moonachie.
Coordinated by squad Secretary-Treasurer Lauren Piech, it was attended by over 100 guests that included Rep. Albio Sires, Weehawken Mayor Richard Turner, and the entire Township Council. Also in attendance to honor the squad were Guttenberg Mayor Gerald Drasheff and Councilman Al Caso.
Both Mayor Turner and Mayor Drasheff presented proclamations honoring the squad from U.S. sen.s Robert Menendez and Cory Booker, Hudson County Executive Thomas DeGise, and the joint state Senate and Assembly.
A continuous slide show presentation captured various moments from the squad’s last 45 years, including responses to both of the World Trade Center attacks, the 2003 blackout, the “Miracle on the Hudson” Flight 1549, and Superstorm Sandy. As the squad continues to serve the community today, it is already looking ahead to its future and the 50th anniversary celebration.
One of the highlights of the evening was the presentation of the Albert J. Lavioe Charter Life Member Award to Joseph Burns in recognition of his 20 years of volunteering with the squad. Joseph is still an active riding member and has responded to over 3,000 calls during the last 20 years.
This award was named after Joe Lavioe, a founding member of the squad in 1969 who also served as president during its early years and was the first member to volunteer for 20 years. Joseph Burns is only the seventh member in squad history to receive this honor.
Event coming up
Continuing with the festivities, the squad in conjunction with the township will host the annual Weehawken Open 2014 golf outing on Aug. 7. Located at the beautiful Crystal Springs Resort in Hamburg, this has become the signature event of the year.
Players will test their skills on the Wild Turkey course, one of New Jersey’s top public golf courses. Contests, prizes, awards, and dinner are just a few of the things scheduled. Activities for the non-golfer will also be available.
Additional information is available on the website http://golf.wvfas.org.