MB First Aid Squad — History & Photos
Since 1958 …
The borough’s First Aid Squad has come a long way since its founding 65 years ago.
The all-volunteer group is today called the Monmouth Beach EMS (Emergency Medical Service). Stories abound over the years of volunteers being on the emergency scene with all speed and confidence. Their admirable record of service and sacrifice endures.
Thanks to the dedication and caring of its founding and current members — the many who have sacrificed family and career demands to aid their neighbors in distress — the organization has a sturdy foundation.
Its origins are humble. As early as 1954 there were discussions among borough firemen about members receiving “first aid training.” In September 1958 the squad was officially founded when a charter was signed by the original membership of 27 men. The first leaders were: Bill Flaherty, president; Tom Porter, VP; Jack Gannon, secretary; Emmett Boyle, treasurer; George Meyer, Jr. captain; and Edward Caprario, Dale Burd, and Fred Hawkins, squad trustees.
“Service is the rent you pay for room on this earth.”
—Shirley Chisholm
The squad’s first rescue vehicle was purchased from Sea Bright for $1. On cold nights the 1948 Chevrolet ambulance sometimes had to be push-started. At the start the squad no home and no alarm system. All calls for emergency aid were routed through Boyle’s Tavern (the telephone number was Capital 2-4851). The organization stored its first ambulance in a member’s garage on Willow Avenue. In the early 1960s, Fair Haven donated a 1955 Cadillac ambulance. By July 1964, the squad had acquired its first new ambulance.
Arrangements were made to share space with the borough fire company — strong cooperative relations continue today — until the squad obtained property (for $12,000) west of the firehouse in 1969 for its own building. The membership, brimming with able craftsman, did much of the construction work. The new $50,000 complex on Beach Road was dedicated in May 1973 with a “gala celebration.” The brick facility was 2,800 square feet, including a two-bay garage, meeting room and kitchen.
On call …
One year later, Jay W. Ross — the borough’s ultimate philanthropist who made a habit of offering generous gifts — donated $40,000 to the squad to retire the mortgage on its new home. The building was subsequently dedicated in honor of Ross’ mother, Margaret (born in Brooklyn, she died in June 1967).
A particularly devoted squad member was Charles Hanisch, who was also one of Monmouth County’s first EMTs upon his certification at Bayshore Hospital in 1976. A MBFA captain and strong advocate for first aid training and education, he was remembered for his “calm, compassionate and professional manner” in all emergency situations. A longtime Monmouth Beach resident, Charlies was a Long Branch native, RBC grad and WWII US Navy vet. He died in August 2022. Members also recall Herb Fowler and George Meyer for their wise training skills through the years.
Down through the years, squad fund-raising activities have included egg sales, ice skating races, turkey shoots, and flower sales. In 2006, to encourage participation, borough voters approved a Length of Service Award Program (LOSAP), a rewards system for EMS volunteers.
The Beach Road facility sustained significant damage during Superstorm Sandy in October 2012. Thanks to a $35,000 grant from the Community Foundation of NJ, the building was restored.
Monmouth Beach was named volunteer “Squad of the Year” in both 2023 and 2021 by the EMS Council of NJ — MORE INFO. Today, even with exorbitant equipment costs, brutal training requirements, unpredictable hours, and other attendant liabilities, borough emergency personnel remain dedicated. Volunteers are always welcome, just call 732-222-7665 or visit here.
MBFA Founding Members:
J. Emmett Boyle • Dale Burd • Edward Caprario • Joseph Caruso • Larry DeMarco • Ray Dougherty • Bob Evans • Bill Fendelander • Bill Flaherty • Jack Gannon • Fred Hawkins • Dan Hennessey • Enoch Holmes, Jr. • Charles Hornbostel, Jr. • Carl Hornbostel • Fred Kampf • Bob Kleiberg • Charles Kopnicki • James Maney • Peter “Booty” Mauro, Jr. • George Meyer, Jr. • Ken Naess • Tom Porter • Jack Powers • John Schulz • Charles Schulz • Alfred Truglia • Frank West.
MB First Aid Squad Photos …
Founding Fathers — Monmouth Beach First Aid Squad charter members, October 1958.
Hot Wheels — New borough first aid squad ambulance, June 1964 (Dan Hennessey Photo).
First Aid Squad building dedication, May 1974. Jay W. Ross and his sisters.
First Aid Squad building dedication, May 1974.
After 25 Years — Squad members mark a quarter century of service, September 1983.
MBFA squad members, 1970s.
First Fright — Monmouth Beach EMS members in the Halloween spirit, October 2025.
Cold Front — MBFA “Ice Carnival” story, Red Bank Daily Register, January 1976.
New Home — Mayor Sidney Johnson (r) at new MBFA building dedication on Beach Road, April 1973.
“A” Team — First Aid Squad members at building dedication on Beach Road, April 1973.
Standing Room — Spectators at the First Aid Squad building dedication, April 1973.
Debt Free — MBFA squad building re-dedication, May 1974. Squad president Walter Burns (l) and donator Jay W. Ross (r). Mr. Ross had paid off the squad’s $40,000 mortgage and the building was re-dedicated in honor of his mother, Margaret.
Rainbow Protection — Monmouth Beach EMS rig at the Two Rivers Water Reclamation Authority complex — on call for a hazardous materials leak, August 2024.
The Plan — New MB First Aid Squad building sketch proposal, 1973.
New Home — Grand Opening for new MB First Aid Squad building on Beach Road, May 1973.
MBFA members John Brazas (l) and Charlie Schulz (r) with new squad vehicle, 1970s.
Boo! — Monmouth Beach EMS members celebrate Halloween 2023.
Top Shop — Monmouth Beach First Aid Squad was named “Squad of the Year” by the EMS Council of NJ, October 2023.
Some $$ — Mayor Sidney Johnson (l) presents a fund-drive donation to squad leaders: Walter Burns, William Heath and Louis Tocci, June 1973.
Salute! — Sal Tringola, Peter Mauro and Lou Sodano at a first aid squad celebration, 1970s.
Ready & Able — Monmouth Beach EMS on Beach Road, 2022.
Early Recruiting — The Monmouth Beach EMS visited the borough school’s kindergarten class to show the kids what the do, June 2023.
Towering Over — First Aid Squad Ice-Skating Races on the Shrewsbury River, 1970s.
First Aid Squad members in training, early 1960s.
Monmouth Beach EMS team after training on medevac procedures, July 2022.
First Aid Squad building and ambulance, 1980s.
First Aid Squad members, 1974-75.
Monmouth Beach EMS members were recognized by the MB Commissioners for being named the NJ Volunteer Squad of the Year, 2021.
First Aid Squad building on Beach Road, 2006.
First Aid Squad members sign charter, Sept. 1958.
Jay W. Ross at MBFA building dedication dinner, 1974.
MBFA members Peter Mauro and Conrad Russo, 1978.
MB First Aid Squad first ambulance, 1958.
Ad for the first ever First Aid Squad Turkey Shoot. Long Branch Daily Record, November 1959.
MBFA squad members Paul Kleiberg and Lou Ferrugiaro watch borough resident Clara Panter during a squad “Turkey Shoot” at the MBBP, early 1970s. Clara had a deadly aim and regularly took a prize home; she died in 1983 at age 86.
MBFA squad member Lou Ferrugiaro sets new targets for Turkey Shoot at MBBP, early 1970s.
MB Fire Company (l) and First Aid Squad buildings (r), 1984.
Monmouth Beach EMS fleet, 2021.
First Aid Squad ambulance, early 1960s.
First Aid Squad building dedication, May 1974. From Left: squad president Walter Burns and donator Jay W. Ross.
First Aid Squad building dedication, April 1973. From left: Walter Burns, Charles Schulz, and Mayor Sidney Johnson.
First Aid members at new building site on Beach Road, 1969. From left: Charles Schulz, Bob Kleiberg, and Walt Burns.
MB Fire Company and MB First Aid Squad memorials on Beach Road, 2017
MB First Aid Squad building dedication dinner, May 1974. From left: Margaret Shippy, Mayor Sidney Johnson and Jay W. Ross.
MB First Aid Squad building dedication dinner, May 1974.
MB First Aid Squad members, 1970s (Jack Flaherty Photo).
MB First Aid Squad members, 1970s.
MB First Aid Squad members, 1970s.
MB First Aid members, Charlie Schulz, Bob Kleiberg, and John Schulz, with their new ambulance, 1964. All three men were squad charter members since 1958.
MB First Aid members John Brazas and Charlie Schulz with new squad vehicle, 1970s.
Bill Heath, MBFA member and longest-serving MBBP manager, 1970s.
MB First Aid Squad members at new building opening celebration, 1973.
MB First Aid Squad bicycle inspection, 1970s.
MB First Aid Squad Ice-Skating Races on the Shrewsbury River, 1970s.
MB First Aid Squad Ice-Skating Races on the Shrewsbury River, 1970s.
MB First Aid Squad Ice-Skating Race winners, 1970s.
MB First Aid Squad members and winners in Ice-Skating Races, 1970s.
MB First Aid Squad member Lou Tocci, Jr. with his daughter, Katie, at ice-skating races, 1973.
MB First Aid Squad “Ice-Skating Carnival.” From left: Fred Kampf, Lou Ferrugiaro, Jim Donnelly, and Bob Kleiberg, 1963.
MB First Aid Squad ice-skating races, 1973.
MB First Aid Squad ice-skating races, 1973.
MB First Aid Squad party, 1970s.
MB First Aid Squad members, 1970s.
MB First Aid Squad members, 1970s.
MB First Aid Squad meeting, 1970s.
Land plot for new MB First Aid building on Beach Road, 1960s.
First Aid member Bob Kleiberg awards winning skater, 1970s.
Thanks so much for preserving these memories. I still have my medal from an ice skating race in the 1960s. There was no place better to grow up than in MB. I graduated in 1966 from MB School.