2026 Community Update
Meeting the Challenge
As 2026 draws to a close, the Chester First Aid Squad (CFAS) has much to be grateful for, and much to look forward to.
This year also brought an important financial change for CFAS. Following a $40,000 reduction in municipal funding from Chester Township–a reduction of more than 50%–we stepped up our fundraising efforts to help offset the loss and ensure that we can continue investing in the equipment, training and resources needed to serve the community. The response from residents, local businesses and community organizations has been incredibly meaningful, and we are deeply grateful for the support we have received.
Strengthening CFAS for the Future
At the same time, 2026 has brought exciting progress for CFAS. Our new ambulance, made possible in part through a FEMA grant, has joined our fleet and will help us continue providing reliable emergency medical response to the Chester community for years to come.
We are also very pleased to welcome several new members to the Squad. In addition, four CFAS members will become certified Emergency Medical Technicians this year, strengthening our team and expanding the number of trained volunteers available to respond when our neighbors need us. With both new and longtime members answering the call, CFAS remains as strong and ready as ever to serve our community.
Community Support Makes the Difference
None of what we do would be possible without the extraordinary support we receive from the Chester community.
We extend our sincere thanks to the Chester Lions Club, whose generous support helped fund a set of 10 new pagers for the Squad. Reliable communications are essential to emergency response, and this contribution directly supports our members in the field.
We are equally grateful to the local businesses that are supporting CFAS by hosting donation boxes at their locations, making it easy for residents to contribute while shopping and dining locally. Our thanks to: Chester Meat Market, Linda’s Biscotti, Ace Hardware, New York Pizza, Chester Fine Wines & Spirits, Gabe’s Bagels, Sub Pub, Chester Diner and South Side Coffee Shop — with more locations to come!
Our thanks also go to the organizers and sponsors of the Cruisin’ For Chester Car Show in July, whose efforts resulted in a generous donation to CFAS. Community events like this are a wonderful example of the spirit of Chester and the many ways our neighbors come together to support one another. We are also especially grateful to Frank Anthony Salon and PH Steakhouse for their continued support of CFAS and for the many ways they have helped strengthen our fundraising efforts throughout the year.
We are also incredibly grateful for the many other acts of kindness shown to our members throughout the year. Our thanks to Mavis in Chester for providing an emergency tire repair at no charge, and to Black River Dental for treating our members to ice cream sandwiches. We also want to recognize the many other community members and local businesses — some anonymous, but you know who you are — who have supported CFAS with meals, treats, services and countless thoughtful gestures. These acts of generosity mean more to our members than you may realize, and we are truly thankful.
And finally, thank you to everyone who has stopped at one of our fall coin tosses and contributed a handful of change, a few dollars or more. Every contribution matters, and each one is appreciated.
Ready to Answer the Call
As we prepare for a new year, we remain committed to providing professional, compassionate emergency medical care to the Chester community.
The Chester First Aid Squad has proudly served our neighbors for generations. Thanks to the continued support of residents, businesses, organizations, and volunteers, we stand ready to answer the call whenever it comes.
While Atlantic Health System remains the primary EMS provider for Chester Township, CFAS continues to play an important role in our community’s emergency response. When Atlantic units are responding to calls outside of Chester and are unavailable locally, our volunteers remain ready to step in and help ensure uninterrupted emergency medical coverage for Chester residents.
Thank you for your support, your generosity, and your trust.
With deep gratitude,
The Volunteers of the Chester First Aid Squad