CHESTER TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Morris County) — The Chester Township Council on Tuesday night approved a formal agreement with Atlantic Health to provide emergency medical services, a move officials said will improve reliability while eliminating balance billing and collection notices for residents.
Mayor Tim Drag said the unanimous action formalizes an existing shared-response arrangement and ensures full-time emergency medical services coverage without adding financial stress for residents during medical emergencies.
“By formalizing the Township’s existing first aid services arrangement with Atlantic Health, the Township Council has strengthened emergency medical services available in the Township while eliminating economic burdens previously borne by residents,” Drag said in a letter to residents. “This cohesive approach is a ‘win-win’ for residents and ensures the Township will be able to provide cost effective emergency services for years to come.”
About seven years ago, the Chester First Aid Squad, a volunteer organization, was no longer able to provide full-time emergency medical services coverage, township officials said. To maintain response times, the squad arranged for Atlantic Health to handle roughly half of emergency calls. That arrangement developed without a formal contract involving the township.
Over time, some residents received ambulance bills and, in some cases, collection notices after insurance was applied, Drag said. Residents often had no way of knowing which provider would respond to a 911 call, despite the township budgeting for emergency medical services, currently about $77,000 annually.
Throughout his term, Drag said residents contacted him seeking clarity about unexpected ambulance charges.
“Residents deserve confidence not only in the care they receive, but also in the process that follows,” Drag said.
Under the newly approved agreement, Atlantic Health will serve as the primary emergency medical services responder for all calls within Chester Township. Each response will be staffed by at least two certified emergency medical technicians and will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, based in the township.
Officials said residents will no longer receive balance bills or collection notices related to emergency medical transport.
The agreement does not dissolve the Chester First Aid Squad. Instead, it establishes a dual-dispatch system in which Atlantic Health responds to every call while the volunteer squad may also respond when staffing and resources allow.
The township will continue to support the Chester First Aid Squad by providing rent-free space at the Highlands Ridge building and anticipates equipping the squad with a new ambulance in 2026, largely funded through a grant secured by the township.
Financially, the township will move from paying $77,000 annually for approximately 50% coverage to paying about $40,000 per year for full 24/7 EMS coverage under the new agreement.
“This action strengthens reliability, professionalism, and financial fairness in the delivery of emergency medical services,” Drag said. “It reflects the Township Council’s ongoing commitment to the safety, well-being, and peace of mind of every Chester Township resident.”
