Morristown: Volunteer EMTs provide vital service

Mayor, council issue resolution against Corzine funding cuts

By Minhaj Hassan

Daily Record

May 14, 2009

MORRISTOWN -- The town's ambulance squad received strong support from the mayor and council Tuesday night by designating an Emergency Medical Services Week and passing a resolution opposing Gov. Jon S. Corzine's proposed cuts to a state training fund. Advertisement

Mayor Donald Cresitello declared May 17 to 23 in Morristown as EMS Week and praised the town's rescue squad. He presented them with a proclamation recognizing the "vital public service" they provides.

"You are dedicated volunteers," he said. "I appreciate what you do everyday for me and the residents. We know you save hundreds of lives."

According to the proclamation, the Morristown Ambulance Squad "provided some 11,000 hours of volunteer service in 2008." It goes on to state that the volunteer emergency medical service team members "engage in thousands of hours of specialized training and continuing education to enhance their lifesaving skills."

The accessibility to that training is at risk for many people who may have wanted to become EMTs, as Corzine recently proposed to cut $4 million from a $4.4 million dedicated fund that provides training to recruits at various certified emergency medical services training centers.

The cuts would mean the fund would be left with just $400,000.

The town council passed a resolution Tuesday evening opposing the proposed cuts to the fund and the "detrimental effect" it would have on services and recruitment.

Corzine has proposed putting the $4 million from the EMT fund into the general treasury to close budget gaps.

A large rally of EMTs opposing the proposed cuts took place on the Green last week.

Karen Johansen, president of the Morristown Ambulance Squad, said the fund cuts would greatly impact recruitment for her squad and squads throughout the state.

"The individuals would have to pay their own way," she said.

"It would take a big incentive away, and affect recruitment and retention."

The squad currently has about 25 active volunteers, with about another 10 in training, she said.