The Blairstown Ambulance Corps is celebrating its 70 years of serving to the Blairstown area. The celebration is an open house, rain or shine at 108 Route 94, Blairstown, NJ. Everyone is invited to join in the festivities. There will be free food, live demonstrations and door prizes.
The tradition started in 1977, when The Blairstown Ambulance Corps celebrated its 25th year of service. The open house and booklet were established to honor the men and woman who keep the community safe. The next open house was in 2002 for their 50th anniversary.
The Blairstown Ambulance Corps (BAC) is a nonprofit organization established in 1952 after a resident fell and had to wait two hours for help. A group of concerned citizens decided to start a volunteer ambulance and rescue squad. The squad covers Blairstown, Hardwick, Hope and parts of Frelinghuysen.
The photos and interesting facts have been provided by Christine Beegle of the Blairstown Historic Preservation Committee. Thank you, Christine.
Fun Facts:
- The squad answered its first emergency call on June 30, 1952.
- The squad answered 44 calls that first year.
- The Rotary Club of Blairstown helped to establish the Blairstown Ambulance Corps in 1952, donating funds and the Corp’s first ambulance, a repurposed, used hearse.
- The deed for the original Blairstown Ambulance Corps property at 2 Stillwater Road was recorded on June 15, 1953. Sold from Alfred White to the Blairstown Ambulance Corps for $1.
- The Ambulance Corps was never connected to the Blairstown Hose Company, nor did they share buildings. The two entities thought it wise to have separate memberships in case of the need for both groups in attending a call.
The Blairstown Ambulance Corps is looking for men and woman 16 years old and up to join the team, no experience is necessary, training will be provided.
Volunteer members undergo approximately 220 hours of training to become EMTs (Emergency Medical Technicians). EMT training includes all procedures necessary for basic life support. All Volunteers learn how to assist the paramedics. This consists of 48 continuing education training hours.
Membership information can be found at http://46rescue.org/about-us/
MB Journe, Contributing Writer
My name is Marybeth Journe, I feel blessed to be living in this part of New Jersey. I have enjoyed this community taking advantage of the lakes and woods. Always supporting the local businesses that make this my home. As a local artist myself, I know many of our residence if not by name, at least by sight. I feel comfortable interviewing others. I have worked for The Paulinskill Valley Chronical where I provided articles, photographs and billing. I consider myself an artist, journalist, naturalist, gardener and a teacher for the YMCA Camp Mason. I look forward to the work ahead
