The Rescue Squad provided an ambulance and crew to accompany two peaceful demonstrations protesting the killing by police of George Floyd in Minneapolis. The first march on June 4, began at Park Middle School in Scotch Plains, made its way into Fanwood along Martine Avenue, then east on North Avenue to the Westfield train station.

The second on June 6, began at SPF High School and made its way to the Scotch Hills/Shady Rest Country Club, the nation’s first black-owned golf club, for a rally and speeches by local leaders. Both demonstrations were peaceful and took place in warm, humid weather.

Thanks to Captain Ian Lewis for coordinating and members Lily Hsaio, Ed Winsor, Lisa Walker, Joan Lozowski and Tom Kranz for volunteering. Our friends at the Westfield and Scotch Plains squads were also on hand.

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Photos by John Mooney, Lisa Walker and Ian Lewis

The Coronavirus pandemic forced a much reduced Memorial Day observance this year. The annual parade was canceled but the ceremony at the war memorial at our library did take place with a reduced presence. A small group of Rescue Squad members attended with ambulance 578. Captain Ian Lewis and President Jamie Pedinoff laid a wreath at the memorial to remember those who gave their lives for our freedom.

Ambulance 579 was returned to service in early September, 2020 after being being remounted, an operation designed to extend its life instead of replacing the entire rig.

The ambulance was towed to SIV Ambulances in Langhorne, PA in mid-May, 2020 to be fitted with a new, 2121 Ford F-450 chassis.  Remounting, where the worn-out chassis is replaced while the costly ambulance box is reused, is a prudent practice that is far more cost-effective than replacing the entire ambulance.