The Summit Volunteer First Aid Squad has added a new vehicle to enhance its emergency response capabilities. The vehicle will have a variety of functions, including use as a command vehicle to coordinate the deployment of the other Squad resources during events or major incidents, as a first responder vehicle, and as a transport vehicle for the Squad EMS bike team.

According to Squad President Mark Koernig, "We are always looking for ways to improve our ability to respond to any type of event. After careful evaluation and visits to other local squads that had already deployed this type of vehicle, we determined that we should move forward with the project to acquire such a vehicle for our squad."

Squad member Liz Cullen chaired the committee responsible for choosing the vehicle, and member Dave Schempp chaired the Grants committee to solicit funding.

A GMC Yukon XL was selected and was made possible through grants provided by several area foundations. Funding was obtained from The Summit Area Public Foundation, The Rummel Foundation, and Schering-Plough Corporation. The vehicle was purchased from Salerno Duane GMC of Summit, at a discounted cost to the Squad. Summit Ski and Sport also provided, at a discount, the bike rack used to transport the EMS bike team to events in local communities and coverage at the annual bike race in Sandy Hook.

Squad Captain Kari Phair stated, "During the Summit July 4th fire works celebration, we were able to staff all three of our ambulances and respond to several calls while still maintaining a presence at the field with the new EMS vehicle. We expect to find additional uses for the vehicle as we continue to evaluate our response capabilities."

The Squad is always looking for new volunteers and provides all needed training and equipment. For information, please call 908-277-9479, or visit them on the Internet at www.summitems.org.