Celebrating and Honoring Those Who Serve Our Community

The Scotch Plains Volunteer Rescue Squad held its annual Installation Dinner on Saturday, January 11, 2025. The all-volunteer organization has been responding to the urgent medical needs of the people of Scotch Plains and surrounding communities for 88 years.

During the dinner, several past members were remembered, including the founding members, without whom the squad would not exist. Squad officers were then sworn in by Frank Goodstein, chairman of the second district Emergency Medical Services Council of NJ, while other members were commended for their years of service. Chief Daniel Sullivan was honored for his remarkable 55 years of service with the squad. The only other member who has served longer is Harold Hill, with an incredible 66 years of service.

Other commendations included Suzanne Butler and Ed Fiedler with 45 years, Joanne Gurske and Jean Lozowski for 35 years, Patty Buckridee with 15 years and Ryan Lemence with 10 years. Those celebrating five years were Riley Gasson, Andrew Yu, Julia Jackson, Robert Mehorter, Ashini Bhardwaj, Lila Dasi and Karoline Hocevar.

These volunteer EMTs selflessly give their time to make Scotch Plains a greater and safer place to live. In 2024 alone, the squad recorded 834 calls of duty, all at no charge to patients. Members “Ride for Pride, Not Pay,” and the organization epitomizes Neighbors Helping Neighbors.

Scotch Plains Rescue Squad Officers for 2025:

Operational Line:

Chief - Daniel Sullivan

Deputy Chief - Robert Gurske

Deputy Chief - Fred Thomas

Administrative Line:

President - Joan Lozowski

1st VP - Jerry Handsman

2nd VP - Sue Kessen

Secretary - Joanne Gurske

Treasurer - Ranee Muirhead

Chaplain - Charles Laskowski

Delegates - Daniel Sullivan, Joan Lozowski, Ranee Muirhead

Alternate Delegates - Patty Buckridee, Karolyn Buckridee and Charles Laskowski

Trustees - Christian Hansis, Chang Yaramothu and Charles Berntson

To become a member, go to ScotchPlainsRescueSquad.com for more information.

Written by Susan Baldani, a life member of the Scotch Plains Rescue Squad.