Hawthorne Volunteer Ambulance Corps
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Hawthorne Volunteer Ambulance Corps |
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History
In 1932 a group of veterans, realizing the need for Emergency Ambulance Service in Hawthorne, founded the William B. Mawhinney Memorial Ambulance Corps. The Corps, sponsored by VFW Post 1593 and named after the Rev. Wm B. Mawhinney, Pastor of St. Clements Church went into active service on Memorial Day, 1932 and was housed at Police Headquarters on Garfield and Lafayette Ave. In the early 1950’s the Borough built a 3 bay garage in the rear of the Old Municipal building to house the Ambulance’s and provide a meeting room for the Corps. After the fire that destroyed the Old Borough Hall in 1978, a new 2 Bay Garage and Meeting Room were constructed for the Corps. This served as our home for over 26 years. During that time we grew from having 2 ambulances to 3 plus a First Responder Vehicle. In February, 1997 we went to the Council with the request for our own building. This was approved and the search was on for a suitable location. After many ups and downs on November 2, 2006 we celebrated the culmination of that search with the dedication of our new Headquarters. Some highlights from 1932 till 2007 our 75th Aniversary. Charles “Tot” Kenyon one of the original 1932 founders spent 49 years as the Chairman of the Ambulance Committee of VFW Post 1593 1st call 5/30/32 - call number 53425 3/27/07 1932 Ambulance was dispatched with a Driver; who had some first aid training from the Military. He recruited a Police officer, family member or friend to assist him. 2007 All members are NJ certified EMT’s, having completed 120 hours of class room education, and are required to recertify every 3 years another 48 hours. 1932 Most ambulance requests came thru Dr’s who were at the house or accident As we were founded by the VFW the ambulance would transport any veteran anywhere in the state. Call records show a request in 1930’s from a VFW post in Asbury Park requesting a transport of a vet to the Veterans hospital. First home was at Police Headquarters on the corner of Garfield and Lafayette. In the 1950’s we moved to the old Municipal Building, in 1978 after the fire that destroyed the Municipal Building a new garage and meeting room was constructed for us. That remained our home for 28 years and in September 2006 we moved into our new 6,000 sq ft headquarters. 1954 Mobil Radio installed 1957 Membership opened to other than VFW members, with special appeal for more assistance during the day hours on Monday thru Friday. 1964 2nd Rig added 1972 Jr Corp started for male members age 18 – 21 1975 Women allowed to Join. 1995 3rd Rig added 1996 First Responder vehicle added 2002 Bike Squad added Vehicles – Over the course of 75 years we have purchased 17 Rigs. Today costs for a new rig is in excess of $125,000. 1932 – 1927 Pierce Arrow Sedan modified by John VanDenBerg into an ambulance 1937 – New Nash - Miller 1946 – Buick Super Delux Flexiable, featuring the latest patient carrier, first aid equipment and comfort conveniences. The overall length is 21 feet. 1954 - New ? cost $10010 1960 - New cost $10650 1964 – 2nd rig purchased at a Cost of $16572. 1966 – replaced 1960 1971 – replaced 1964. Miller Meteor Cadillac cost $21000 1974 – replaced 1966. M&M cost $25297. 1977 – replaced 1971 1979 – replaced 1974 1983 – replaced 1977 1986 – replaced 1979 1992 – replaced 1977 1995 – added 3 rig 1996 – added first responder, donated by Gene Meyers 2001 – replaced 1986 2002 – added Chief’s vehicle, donated by Gene Meyers 2003 – replaced 1992 2005 – replaced First Responder |
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Last modified: 01/16/09 |