Kids & Family

Turnout High for Fanwood Rescue Squad's 65th Anniversary Gala

Squad members, friends, family and supporters enjoyed an all-you-can-eat buffet and music provided by two Fanwood-based performers.

More than 150 supporters helped the Fanwood Rescue Squad celebrate its 65th anniversary on Saturday at a dinner at the Evangel Church on Terrill Road. Squad members, friends, family and supporters enjoyed an all-you-can-eat buffet and music provided by two Fanwood-based performers. Mayor Colleen Mahr attended with her family and called for the community to continue to support the volunteer organization. She and Captain Tom Kranz did pitches for new members. 

The Fanwood Rescue Squad was founded in 1948 by 30 Fanwood firefighters who purchased a used ambulance from the Scotch Plains Rescue Squad. The Fanwood and Scotch Plains squads enjoy a close relationship to this day, answering calls in each other's towns and co-participating in many community events. Members of the Scotch Plains squad, including Captain Dan Sullivan, were in attendance at the dinner and were on duty to cover any 911 calls in Fanwood so FRS members could enjoy the celebration.

Other special guests included Ed Fiedler of the Scotch Plains Rescue Squad and Reid Edles, Captain of the Westfield Rescue Squad. In addition to Mayor Mahr, Borough officials in attendance included Council members Russ Huegel, Kevin Boris and Kathy Mitchell and Police Chief Richard Trigo. 

Find out what's happening in Scotch Plains-Fanwoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The Evangel Church, which hosted the event, had a state-of-the-art performance area including professionally lit stage and high-tech sound system. Pastor Chris Morante welcomed everyone at the beginning with a blessing and well wishes for the volunteers. Church administrator Druanne Glascott and stage manager Mike Epps were also on hand to make sure things ran smoothly.

Music was provided by Fanwood-based bands North Avenue and Crash Chorus. Fanwood rap artist Keith Bell, known on stage as K-Bellz, also performed. Donations to the Squad were accepted at the door.

Organizations that supported the event with donations included Chelsea Senior Living, Shop Rite, Overlook Hospital, JFK Medical Center and Robert Wood Johnson Hospital at Rahway. Food was provided at a discount by Nick's Pizza and Deli of Fanwood.

Find out what's happening in Scotch Plains-Fanwoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here