The Chester Volunteer First Aid Squad originated in 1945 as a branch of the Chester Fire Company #1 and membership was restricted to Fire Company members due to insurance problems. The Fire Company accepted a Ford station wagon from the Civil Defense that was converted to serve as an emergency ambulance. In its first year, the squad handled 23 emergency calls.

In 1947, a Cadillac ambulance was purchased through the cooperation of Mr. Robert Cole, while the Ford station wagon was sold to the highest bidder. Emergency calls increased to 40 for the year. In 1954, The Fire Company and First Aid Squad held its first Fund Drive.

In 1955, a base radio station and mobile sets for each piece of rolling equipment were purchased through the Civil Defense matching fund plan. The First Aid Squad also purchased an electric air horn by the same procedure for town-wide alerts. In 1957, the First Aid Squad, Borough and Township of Chester purchased a new Cadillac ambulance. Emergency responses were 89 for the year.

The Chester Volunteer First Aid Squad originated in 1945 as a branch of the Chester Fire Company #1. Its first rig was a Ford station wagon from the Civil Defense that was converted to serve as an emergency ambulance. In its first year, the squad handled 23 emergency calls. In 1954, The Fire Company and First Aid Squad held its first Fund Drive and 1959 the Squad broke the century mark with 104 responses. In 1987, as the call volume continued to increase, the Chester Volunteer First Aid Squad became independent of the First Company and membership was opened to any resident of the Borough or Township of Chester.

Today, the Chester First Aid Squad consists of approximately 40 volunteers who are EMTs, First Responders, Cadets, or Auxiliary Members. The Squad is very diverse as some of its members are also nurses and paramedics, or are otherwise involved in the healthcare industry. The Squad is certified by the New Jersey First Aid Council, Department of Transportation and provides emergency services to anyone in the Chester's as well as mutual aid requests to adjacent towns.

The all volunteer Chester First Aid Squad currently utilizes 3 modular ambulances, which are used to handle nearly 900 emergency calls a year. The Borough and Township of Chester contribute funds to the annual operating budget in proportion to the tax assessment values, however all other financial support comes from fund drives or individual unsolicited donations from various residents and businesses.

Our Mission:

To provide emergency medical service to the community at the highest level consistent with our training, working together as a team of volunteeers.