New ambulance arrives for Chester First Aid Squad with federal, local and community support
CHESTER, N.J. (Morris County) — The Chester First Aid Squad has announced the arrival of a new ambulance funded through a federal grant, support from Chester Township and Chester Borough, and contributions from the squad.
The new ambulance was made possible through a 2023 U.S. Department of Homeland Security grant under the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Funding included a $244,761.90 FEMA award, an additional $12,238.10 from Chester Township and Chester Borough, split 82% and 18%, respectively, and $73,704 contributed by the Chester First Aid Squad.
According to the squad, its Grant Committee conducted extensive research and compiled information on call volume, vehicle repair costs, finances, the age and condition of the existing fleet, community topography and demographics, infrastructure, seasonal impacts and hazardous roadways as part of the grant application process.
The new 2025 Horton 603 ambulance, built on a Ford F-550 chassis, was purchased from VCI Emergency Vehicle Specialists in Plainfield and has arrived in Chester, where it is being prepared to enter service.
The ambulance replaces a 17-year-old 2009 Ford E-series vehicle that has been taken out of service.
Donations to the squad helped complete the purchase and cover additional costs associated with transferring equipment and preparing the new ambulance for service. Features include grab rails, patient compartment airbags, four-point harness restraints for responders, a CoolTech climate system, 360-degree cameras and an Apple CarPlay GPS navigation system.
The squad said all drivers updated their Emergency Vehicle Operator Certification to CEVO 5 and completed behind-the-wheel competency testing based on NFPA 1002 standards in preparation for the new ambulance.
“CFAS is as strong as ever, and we continue to attract members who wish to be a part of our dedicated team,” said CFAS Chief Ginny Bordonaro. “This new rig pairs our highly trained, professional staff with the newest technology and most state-of-the-art safety features available for emergency vehicles.”
“We are delighted to finally have our new ambulance here in Chester,” said CFAS President Deb Johnston. “This vehicle represents an important investment in our ability to serve the community. It will help keep our volunteers rolling for years to come and ensure that when our neighbors need us, we are ready to respond with safe, reliable and up-to-date equipment.”
At its August meeting, the Chester Township Council approved an arrangement under which the township will lease the ambulance to the Chester First Aid Squad for $1 per year. The squad will be responsible for insurance and ongoing operating expenses.
The squad thanked past and current Chester Township mayors and Township Council members, along with the township administrator, chief financial officers and other professional staff for assisting with the grant and vendor selection process.
The squad also recognized members of its Grant Committee and Ambulance Committee. CFAS Treasurer Mary Robinson played a key role in completing the FEMA grant paperwork and working with Chester Township during the grant submission and ambulance purchasing process.
According to CFAS, the squad has increased its fundraising efforts this year to help meet its financial obligations as township funding has significantly declined. Donations from residents and other supporters helped fund a portion of the ambulance and related expenses not covered by FEMA and the township.
“We are extremely grateful to everyone who has supported CFAS through our fundraising efforts,” added Johnston. “Those contributions have a direct impact on our ability to purchase and maintain the equipment we need to serve Chester. This new ambulance is a wonderful example of what can be accomplished when our volunteers, local government and community work together.”
