2013

Santa Parade 2013

Santa and his helpers before embarking on the 2013 parade through Fanwood to deliver presents to our kids.

65th Anniversary Celebration

Squad members in festive red theme shirts celebrated our 65th Anniversary at the big gala at Evangel Church on Nov. 16th, 2013. Mayor Colleen Mahr helped us cut the cake. More than 150 people showed up for food from Nick’s, music by Fanwood performers and a little but of squad history. Thanks to all our members who worked so hard to make the event the success it was. Thanks also to Evangel Church’s Pastor Chris Morante and administrator Druanne Glascott who made it way easy.

2014 Officers Elected

Congratulations to our new officers for 2014, elected by the Fanwood Rescue Squad membership on Tuesday, November 5, 2013, to wit:

President: Steve Siegal
Vice President: Jeff Downing
Treasurer: Bob Kruthers
Recording Secretary: Jamie Pedinoff
Corresponding Secretary: Karolyn Buckridee

Captain: Patty Buckridee
1st Lt: Nancy Mustachio
2nd Lt: Rob Villegas
Sergeant: Ian Lewis
Training Officer: Jeff Carr
Chaplain: Karolyn Buckridee
Historian: Tom Kranz
Trustees: Tom Kranz, Jamie Pedinoff & Dave Zawodniak
Delegates: Karolyn Buckridee, Ian Lewis & Nancy D’Ambrosio
Alternate Delegates: Melissa Padulsky, Joan Lozowski & Brian Downing

The Passing of John Oatis

Long time Rescue Squad member John Oatis died at home on June 23rd, 2013, after a two year battle with cancer. He was 69. Oatis held most every office with the organization, including president and vice president, as well as going out on more than 2,100 calls during his tenure as a volunteer. Oatis lived across the street from the rescue squad and kept an eye on the building. “He was kind of our unofficial caretaker,” said Captain Tom Kranz. “We all got accustomed to him being around. He was very dedicated. He was a good friend to me, he was a good friend to our squad and I’m going to miss him. He was also fairly well known in town.” A graduate of Fairleigh Dickinson University and U.S. Army veteran, John was born in East Orange, grew up in Summit and moved to Fanwood in 1977. He worked for most of his career in insurance and was his most recent job was as a real estate agent with ERA Suburb Realty in Scotch Plains. A memorial service was held Saturday, July 13th, at Fanwood Presbyterian Church.

Squad Turns Out for Memorial Day

Rob Villegas, 2013 EMT of the Year

Rob joined the Fanwood Rescue Squad in December 2009 and began riding as an EMT in August 2010 after arriving back to the States from studying abroad in London. While Rob was in school, he was a member of Fordham University Emergency Medical Service, where he held the positions of Lieutenant/Supply Officer during his Junior year, and eventually rising to Captain of Medical Operations his senior year. He currently holds the position of Sergeant at FRS, and was one of the top responders for 2012, with 209 calls answered, or 27% of the calls for the year. When he’s not responding to calls, Rob works in Manhattan in the technology industry. Rob holds a degree in Management of Information and Communication Systems and one day hopes to be the Chief Information Officer of a corporation. Rob is also an Eagle Scout, which is where his interest in First Aid originally began. In his “spare” time, he raises bees in his backyard. Congrats, Rob. We’re very proud of you!

Choir Concert Packs Fanwood Presbyterian Church

The sanctuary of Fanwood Presbyterian Church was filled to capacity on Sunday, May 19th 2013, for the 2nd annual choir concert benefitting the Fanwood and Scotch Plains Rescue Squads. Music Ministry Director Tom Berdos led a large, regional choir with guest musicians and conductors for a concert that included inspirational and patriotic music.

Knights of Columbus Awards 2013

Fanwood Rescue Squad EMT Steve Siegal was honored for more than 20 years of service to the squad during the 38th annual Knights of Columbus Shield Awards March 21, 2013, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church.

“He’s just a regular guy,” said squad president Nancy Mustachio, “who is always there. We appreciate his service.”

Steve originally joined the squad to gain medical experience for his planned career as a physician’s aide. He turned out to have a talent for managing people and spent a number of years in the food service industry followed by a successful career in sales.