Rest In Peace

John W. Menschner Sr.- Founding Member

It is with heartfelt sadness and deep regret, that we, the Members of the Howell Township First Aid & Rescue Squad #1 mourn the loss of our Patriarch and Founder, John Menschner Sr., 95 years old.

John moved to Howell Township in 1955 and heard that Howell did not have its own first aid. John was a Member of the East Keansburg First Aid 5 years and he thought "Maybe I can start one". To meet new people and find potential members for a squad, John joined the Southard Fire Dept. No.1. After a couple of years and assistance with the township, who gave $1,000 to help get us going, John and a group of 9 Charter Members started the Howell Twp First Aid & Rescue Squad #1. We were officially incorporated in February 1957. If it wasn’t for him, the squad and all of its members would not be here today, 65 years later.

Countless lives have been forever changed because of this man, because of his leadership and sincere dedication to the township of Howell. Without John, lives would not have been saved. Families were reunited and people were given 2nd chances. John was a prime example of what traits make a leader and a hero.

If it wasn’t for John, the men and women of HTFARS#1 wouldn’t be where we are today. We wouldn’t have the careers we are in today. In one way shape or form, the squad is a huge part of all the members lives and is considered to be a family. We owe all of that to John.

John was a man of pride and honor. John wouldn’t want us to mourn his death but, celebrate his life. He would want us to rejoice in the times we had with him and laugh while we tell the stories from thoughout the years and at the drop of those tones, we will be back on the trucks. We will continue to provide prompt and professional care to whomever we encounter, because that is how we will honor him.

John, we aren’t sure how we are going to do this without you. The squad is certainly a lesser place without you. May you forever rest in eternal peace. Our continued prayers and condolences are with the family and friends of this truly amazing human being.

We Love you John, Rest In Peace!

1926-2022

Who we are

The Howell Township First Aid and Rescue Squad #1 (19-21) is a Non-Profit organization that is comprised of Volunteer Members and has been serving the community since 1957. Made up of Emergency Medical Technicians and Drivers, the squad answers a variety of Emergency and non-Emergency calls.

In 2023 the squad answered 1,538 first aid calls.

What We Do

The Members of Howell Township First Aid and Rescue Squad #1 respond to all 911 medical emergencies at homes, businesses, schools, and public places within the township. The squad also performs extrication at motor vehicle accidents, stands by with local fire companies for structure fires, and assists in special rescue assignments. The squad prides itself with being the first squad in Monmouth County to train members and perform extrication in the field. The squad always answers calls in a professional timely manner and is continuously seeking new members. While surrounding towns are closing down their volunteer services due to lack of membership, we are always trying to make our "family" grow.

In 2013, due to a struggling economy, the squad entered into a billing agreement in co-operation with the Howell Township Police EMS. We do NOT charge Township residents, but will bill their insurance to help pay for supplies, new equipment and purchasing the latest state of the art First Aid and Rescue Equipment.

If you would like to become a member of our "elite" squad, please visit our membership page link at the top of this page.

WELCOME HOME

On November 26, 2016, we took delivery of a 1970 Cadillac Superior Ambulance. This isn't just any old beat up Ambulance, this rig belonged to our squad when we purchased it NEW in 1970. We traded it in to Wolfington in 1972 for a newer model and it hasn't been seen until it resurfaced in a junkyard in Iowa. It was saved 3 years ago by an Iowa State Trooper who purchased it from the junkyard for his Volunteer First Aid squad- West Hancock Ambulance. It was going to be restored but, that never came to fruition. They did however find the original Cadillac build card inside the car with our name on it.

Last week we received an email from the Trooper who found our website. He wanted to let us know that they were looking to sell it and would like to give us the option to purchase it. After a unanimous squad vote we coordinated the shipping and got her home where she belongs.

It's not going to be an easy, quick or cheap restoration, but it will be restored in time. If you would like to donate to our restoration, please click here. Every little bit will help us!

Several years ago, we mentioned on our Facebook page that if we had 100 likes we would paint a rig pink in support of breast cancer and cancer research as a whole. Although we didn't paint the ambulance pink due to the cost, we had it lettered pink. We wrote to various doctors offices and providers in the town and raised most of the cost through donations. VIGG Designs in Freehold did the artwork and also cut us a break on the cost.

We were overwhelmed at the support and comments about us doing this. There were also the regular negative comments about using the money for better things and how its a waste. The ambulance needed to be relettered and we decided to dvo pink since everyone has been affected by losing a loved one to this terrible disease. We want to enforce that there is hope out there for those afflicted. This is our little way to help show our support.

We are always looking for CADETS!!!

If you are between the ages of 14-17 and want to make a difference in your life and someone elses, come check us out.

Please visit our CADETS page for more info.

Website Administrator
John Zicha