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Volunteer EMS history, Liberty Corner closure and current coverage map for Bernards Township
Summary
Captain Sarah Bonafoi reviewed local EMS history, explained that declining volunteer availability led to a 2019 Atlantic Health weekday contract and the 2022 closure of the Liberty Corner First Aid Squad, and described current weekday and weekend coverage and mutual aid arrangements.
Captain Sarah Bonafoi traced the township's emergency medical services history and recent coverage changes, noting that volunteer availability declined and the township contracted with Atlantic Health in 2019 for weekday coverage. "In 2022, Liberty Corner was having the volunteer issue ... and they were forced to close their doors on September 5," she said, explaining that Atlantic Health expanded daytime coverage to fill gaps.
Why it matters: Service-area changes affect response patterns and who will arrive first at emergencies; residents asked how coverage differs by time and location.
Bonafoi displayed a coverage map and explained the weekday/weekend split: Atlantic Health operates two ambulances Monday–Friday from about 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., covering the Liberty Corner side during weekday hours; nights and weekends are covered by Basking Ridge Fire Company ambulances with Atlantic Health commonly supplying one unit on many weekend periods. She emphasized stationing differences (Atlantic vehicles responding from posts in town or a former Liberty Corner facility) and that the township owns and maintains two ambulances funded by tax dollars.
Mutual aid: When local ambulances are all committed, Bonafoi said prearranged mutual aid sends units from neighboring towns as directed by the Somerset County Communications Center. She explained the list of mutual-aid partners is reviewed annually with dispatch.
Volunteer recruitment and community programs: Bonafoi highlighted that volunteer EMTs provide local knowledge and continuity of care, that the fire company sponsors free EMT training via the New Jersey State Training Fund and junior programs for 18-year-olds, and that volunteers staff event standby coverage.
Quote: "We're your neighbors. We're showing up," Bonafoi said, describing the community value of volunteers.
Next steps: The presentation closed with an appeal for volunteers and donations and information on how to contact the fire company and find volunteer information on the township website.
