Posted Dec. 12, 2024
John Montgomery (fictitious name to protect the patient’s privacy) was experiencing the worst day of his life. Crippled by severe chest pain on the morning of May 29, his wife dialed 911. The pagers of Montgomery EMS volunteers sounded the alert, and within 62 seconds, an ambulance and first response vehicle were rolling.
Montgomery EMS training session.
Leading the crew was Dhruv Patel, who had joined Montgomery EMS as a cadet and was already an experienced EMT. Accompanying him were Emily Barlin, (a Montgomery High School alumna); squad member Ellen Robbins; and Buchu Wu, a trainee EMT and obstetrician gynecologist who recently moved here from China. Wu is balancing her medical background with a desire to serve her new community.
In under five minutes, the team arrived at Montgomery’s home, delivered lifesaving care, and transported him to the hospital. Later, he expressed his gratitude: “Everyone who responded was cheerful, helpful, and competent. I was continually reassured that things were going to work out, and they did.”
This is one of many stories that illustrate the commitment and high Montgomery EMS training session. standards Montgomery EMS brings to their work—a dedication recognized in October when the EMS Council of New Jersey honored MEMS with its Squad of the Year award.
This prestigious honor, which Montgomery EMS previously earned in 2019, reflects the squad’s exemplary call response, consistent community engagement, and high standards of training and preparedness.
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Montgomery EMS’s journey began in 1972, when a small group of residents joined forces to form a volunteer squad. With a donated Cadillac ambulance and land provided by the township, they established headquarters at 8 Harlingen Rd, where the squad still operates today. From these humble beginnings, Montgomery EMS has grown into a dedicated team of more than 100 members who respond to calls day and night, without any compensation. “Our biggest asset is our members,” says Captain Louis Dundi. “They bring a wealth of experience, commitment, and compassion to the work we do, and that’s what makes us strong.”
Volunteers such as Mannan Mishra, a data engineer who dedicates his Sundays to the squad, and Douglas Herring, a lawyer with a young family, make Montgomery EMS a vital part of the town’s identity. Among the squad’s many long-term volunteers are Tony and Bev Glockler, lifetime members who reflect the lasting bonds that form within Montgomery EMS. Bev joined the squad in 1987 when her daughters were in high school, and Tony joined her in 2001 after retiring. Although they no longer respond to calls, both contribute by helping with patient surveys, supporting the squad’s mission with quiet dedication. Their story, like those of so many others, exemplifies the spirit of service that defines Montgomery EMS.
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Montgomery EMS’s 2024 Squad of the Year award is a testament to its exceptional standards in response, readiness, and community care. In the 12 months ending June 30, 2024, the squad responded to 1,517 calls with a 99.9% response rate. The squad also managed to respond to four calls simultaneously on a busy day in July. “We take pride in our quick response time,” says President Siddharth Saran. “From the moment we’re paged, it takes an average of just 3.7 minutes for a vehicle to be rolling.” Beyond local calls, Montgomery EMS provides mutual aid to neighboring communities, with 116 calls, or 8% of their total, focused on fire rehabilitation and other essential support for nearby townships.
Through close collaboration with neighboring fire and EMS agencies, Montgomery EMS was jointly awarded $2.3 million in grants in 2023 to update communication systems. Keeping the squad’s fleet and equipment up-to-date is essential but increasingly costly. Ambulance prices have risen dramatically, reflecting advances in safety and performance features that protect patients and crew. “Ambulances today are designed with features that were unheard of a decade ago,” says Michael Cunniff, vice president and fleet manager. “Our latest model has an adaptive lighting system, multi-point harnesses, advanced ventilation system and a 4x4 drive for safer and faster responses in all weather.” The ambulance Montgomery EMS acquired in 2022 cost $250,000, and the one ordered for 2025 is expected to cost close to $360,000. For a volunteer-run squad funded by donations, these expenses are significant, yet essential investments.
As Montgomery grows, so does the need for more dedicated volunteers, especially for morning and afternoon shifts. “We’re always looking for people who want to make a difference,” says Joe Prati, head of recruiting. “If you have the time and the heart, consider joining us—you’ll be part of a team that makes a real impact.” Montgomery EMS relies on donations to fund its operations, especially as equipment costs continue to rise. Every donation, no matter the size, helps the squad stay ready to respond to emergencies and serve the community.
