Despite the challenges faced by numerous all-volunteer emergency squads that are struggling to stay afloat financially or with adequate membership, the Chatham Emergency Squad is thriving. Having come through the worst of a national pandemic without a single member becoming infected with the virus, CES is looking forward to continued strength and growth. But it is also looking back. Because this year, CES is celebrating its 85th anniversary.
Originally an outgrowth of the Chatham Fire Department, CES was created by the action of the Borough Council in 1936 and purchased its first ambulance, a Miller LaSalle, two years later. By 1949, the firefighters couldn’t keep up with the demand on the emergency side and in 1951, the Chatham Emergency Squad, Inc. was established as an independent organization. New members were recruited and trained and a year later a fund drive was created to finance a new home for the Squad. In late 1954, the building at 31 North Passaic Avenue was dedicated and the additional funds raised were used to purchase a second ambulance.
