The Wood-Ridge Emergency Squad: A Legacy of Service

The Wood-Ridge Emergency Squad (WRES) proudly served in a tradition of excellence in emergency medical services (EMS), having served the Borough of Wood-Ridge and its surrounding communities since 1937. Originally founded as a branch of the Wood-Ridge Fire Department (WRFD), the Emergency Squad became an independent entity in April 2021 with the passage of Ordinance No. 2021-7 by the Wood-Ridge Mayor and Council.  On August 1, 2022, the Wood-Ridge Emergency Squad was disbanded and the borough contracted with Holy Name Hospital EMS for all medical emergencies. 

A Brief History

The Wood-Ridge Fire Department Emergency Squad was organized in February 1937 when a group of firemen began taking first aid classes under the guidance of Everett Shorter of Carlstadt.  Upon completion of this course, they proceeded to raise funds with which to purchase an ambulance. After considerable hard work, they secured an old Pierce-Arrow ambulance which they renovated and painted and then turned over to the borough.  The first call was answered that very day.

The first election in February 1937 resulted in the following slate of officers:  Captain - William Fowler; 1st Lieutenant - Ernest Rohlfs; 2nd Lieutenant - John Scott; Secretary/Treasurer - William Kour.

In 1940, the ambulance began to show considerable wear and a request to the borough for a new ambulance was made.  The question of purchasing the new ambulance was placed on the ballot and the residents voted for this purchase by a large margin.

In 1941, the Emergency Squad received a new Cadillac ambulance which was equipped to carry two patients, if necessary.  In 1955, a new Cadillac ambulance was purchased to replace the 1941 Cadillac.  This unit had a four-patient capacity. 1967 saw the third Cadillac ambulance placed in service, replacing the 1955 Cadillac.

In 1975, the first modular ambulance (906) began serving the borough. The unit was a Horton modular unit placed on a Chevy chassis. In 1986, this unit was completely refurbished.  The modular unit was redone and placed on a new Chevy chassis.

In 1991, a new Ford / P&L Custom modular ambulance was placed into service (906).  In 1997, a used 1989 Ford / P&L Custom modular ambulance was placed into service as second rig (907).  This unit was replaced in 2000 with an American LaFrance / Medic Master ambulance.

January 2005 saw the retirement of the department's last Type III ambulance with the second American LaFrance / Medic Master Heavy Duty Type I ambulance (2004 model) taking its place.

In 2019, the Emergency Squad took delivery and placed into service a 2019 Ford F-450, Road Rescue Type 1 ambulance and retired 906 due to mechanical issues. 

At the April 2021 Wood-Ridge Mayor and Council meeting, the Wood-Ridge Fire Department and Wood-Ridge Emergency Squads became separate organizations with the passage of Ordinance No. 2021-7.  The Emergency Squad had been a branch of the Fire Department for 84 years.

Operational Excellence

For 84 years, the WRFD Emergency Squad operated seamlessly alongside the Fire Department, relying on a dedicated team of all-volunteer EMTs and emergency responders. Utilizing ambulances designated as EMS 906 and EMS 907, the squad answered medical calls 24/7, responding to over 700 incidents annually.

Squad members were trained to the highest standards, with many cross-trained as firefighters and medical personnel. This dual role enabled exceptional coordination during emergencies, with a singular focus on safeguarding lives and property.

WRFD Emergency Squad
Past Captains