June 22, 2026 Chester, NJ — For more than 81 years, the Chester First Aid Squad (CFAS) has proudly served the Chester community with professionalism, compassion, and emergency medical care. Today, CFAS remains fully operational and committed to that mission, but recent changes in municipal funding have created significant financial challenges that require expanded fundraising efforts.
CFAS has historically been funded through support from Chester Borough, Chester Township, and generous donations from residents, businesses, religious organizations, civic organizations such as the Lions Club, and community fundraising efforts.
We are deeply grateful that Chester Borough Mayor and Council continue to support CFAS at prior funding levels. Their continued partnership and commitment to volunteer emergency services are sincerely appreciated.
Recently, however, Chester Township Mayor and Council designated Atlantic Health Corporation (“Atlantic”) as the primary emergency medical responder for Chester Township residents, with CFAS now serving in a secondary or back-up role for the Township. As part of this change, approximately $40,000 in municipal funding previously allocated to CFAS has been redirected to Atlantic.
While CFAS’s role within Chester Township has shifted from primary to secondary response, the underlying cost structure required to maintain full emergency medical readiness remains unchanged. Ambulance maintenance, medical supplies, insurance, equipment, training, certifications, capital purchases and operational expenses remain essential regardless of call volume or responder designation.
Since 2017, when Atlantic began providing primary weekday daytime coverage for Chester Township from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, CFAS has continued monitoring EMS calls throughout Chester 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Our volunteer crews continue to respond whenever possible to assist residents, respond alongside Atlantic when needed, and provide coverage when Atlantic units are unavailable.
CFAS also remains the primary emergency medical responder for Chester Borough during weeknights and weekends, maintaining the same commitment to emergency response and patient care that the community has relied upon for decades.
These funding reductions have created a substantial financial strain on our organization and require us to significantly expand our fundraising efforts to ensure that CFAS can continue serving the community safely and effectively.
CFAS Remains Operationally Strong
CFAS emphasized that despite these financial and structural challenges, the organization remains fully operational, well-staffed, and committed to serving the community. The squad continues to maintain active EMS coverage, ongoing training, and operational readiness, while also continuing to attract and grow its membership base.
“These challenges are not the result of declining volunteerism or lack of community commitment,” CFAS stated. “Our members continue to answer calls, train, and serve with the same dedication that has defined this organization for more than 80 years.”
Expanded Fundraising Efforts
In the coming months, residents may see expanded fundraising initiatives, including:
- Donation boxes at local businesses including Ace Hardware, Gabe’s Deli, Chester Diner, Sub Pub, New York Pizza, Linda’s Biscotti, South Side Coffee Co, Roman Pizza, Chester Fine Wines & Spirits and Aztec Mexican Restaurant, with more retailers to follow
- Round-up campaigns at retail point-of-sale
- Increased fundraising events in the community
- Expanded annual fundraising efforts and sponsorship opportunities
The Chester community has already begun rallying behind these efforts. Earlier this year, PH Steakhouse and Frank Anthony Salon partnered to organize the annual Bunny Hop Easter event, with proceeds benefiting Chester First Aid Squad. We are also grateful to Frank Anthony Salon for organizing a Classic Car Show this July to support CFAS, with additional fundraising events and community partnerships planned throughout the year.
We extend our sincere thanks to these businesses, event sponsors, and the many residents who have supported CFAS through fund drives, coin tosses, local events, and donations over the years. Their generosity has helped sustain volunteer emergency medical services in Chester for generations and will play an essential role in preserving that legacy for the future.
CFAS is proud to serve Chester, and with the community’s support, we hope to continue our 81-year tradition of volunteer emergency medical services for generations to come.
To learn more about CFAS, visit our website at www.chesterfirstaid.org. Community members wishing to support CFAS may make a secure online donation at www.chesterfirstaid.org/donate.