Chester First Aid Squad Will No Longer Be Township's Primary EMS

CHESTER, NJ — After months of discussions between township officials and the Chester First Aid Squad, a decision has been made regarding the model of the 80-year-old volunteer service.

Originally, the township proposed that the squad be remodeled into a billing model rather than the all-volunteer model it has been for eight decades.

Earlier this month, the first aid squad said that after “careful consideration and extensive discussions,” the agency will operate as it has been. In other words, residents will continue to not have to pay for its services.

However, it was decided during a council meeting this week that the first aid squad would now be working alongside Atlantic Health’s EMS team, in what Mayor Tim Drag is calling a “win-win” scenario.

Atlantic Health was brought into the mix around seven years ago, when the Chester First Aid Squad did not have the manpower or resources to serve Chester and its neighboring communities.

Atlantic Health EMS was brought in to respond to roughly half of the medical emergencies in the town in an effort to relieve the first aid squad. However, patients became concerned when they began receiving bills in the mail from Atlantic Health EMS responses, something they weren’t used to since the Chester First Aid Squad provided its aid for free.

Now, the new agreement implements a dual-dispatch system, in which Atlantic Health will serve as the primary EMS responder for all calls in the township. The agency will be paid $40,000 annually for its 24/7/365 services.

The Chester First Aid Squad will continue to respond to calls as its resources allow it to, with the township allocating $77,000 annually to keep the volunteer team operational.

Most importantly, Chester residents will continue not to be billed for services provided by either team, Drag said.

“The Township remains committed to supporting the Squad by continuing to provide rent-free space at the Highlands Ridge building for their vehicles and volunteers,” Drag said. “This structure allows the Squad to focus on community-oriented service while navigating the ongoing challenges of volunteer recruitment and staffing.”

Drag reiterated that the new model does not mark the end of the Chester First Aid Squad, and, in fact, the township plans to purchase a new ambulance for it in 2026 thanks to a grant.

“We recognize that continued cooperation and mutual support are essential to ensuring the Chester First Aid Squad remains a valued and active part of our community,” he said. “We look forward to reviewing the Squad’s full 2025 financial report and its 2026 budget request so we can continue working together constructively.”

The Chester First Aid Squad provides services to both Chester Township and Borough, as well as mutual aid to Mendham Township and Borough, Washington Township, and Harding Township.