University to donate money for new ambulance to Princeton rescue squad

The University recently pledged $155,000 to the Princeton First Aid and Rescue Squad — a group that provides emergency services for Princeton Borough and Township. The sum represents the largest single donation in squad history, according to a University press release.

President Shapiro wrote in the award letter that the gift recognized "the close and mutually beneficial relationship that has existed between the University and the squad for many years."

According to squad chief Gregg Paulson '98, the donation will fund the full cost of a new ambulance.

"We are fortunate to have been able to approach [the University] with this need and to have them be able to help us and meet it," Paulson said.

Squad president Jonathan Slutzman '01 said he is also very pleased with the University's "exceedingly generous" response to the squad's request.

"The University has supported us in our endeavors," said Slutzman. "But it is also the single institution with the highest call volume."

Slutzman noted that in 1999, 295 of the 1,915 calls received were made from the University. This figure accounted for almost one sixth of the squad's call volume.

The University has supported the rescue squad's services for years by making annual $25,000 donations to cover its operating expenses and by providing free housing to two students per summer who stay on campus to help the volunteers.

The cooperation between the University and the rescue organization extends beyond financial needs. The University campus is an ideal location for recruiting squad volunteers. The squad boasts 68 volunteers out of its 70 members, and one third of the volunteers are University students.

"I've been working and living in the community for 30 [years], but I've always been impressed with the productivity of the relationship between the University and the squad," said Director of Community and State Affairs Pam Hersh. "And I've been in office for 10 years."

The addition of the new ambulance to the current three units is especially important because the rescue squad, founded in 1939, is the only ambulance service in town. Besides providing the expected EMT services, Slutzman said the squad also performs some unusual duties such as arriving with the fire department to restart the University Cogeneration Facility after a "flare-up."

The squad also provides other emergency services including technical rescue such as vehicle extrication and confined space rescue. It also provides standby ambulance service at campus events, Paulson said.