1962-1987
One by one the surrounding towns formed their own ambulance corps. However, as the area of responsibility diminished, the number of calls increased as the population of the area increased. After Upper Saddle River formed its corps in 1958, Saddle River remained as the only out-of-town supported service area.
Since the corps’ beginning, only males were accepted as members. That changed when in 1969, a woman joined the ranks of the organization. Ethel Tellefsen, a dental hygienist and mother of three was the first female member. She joined ranks with her husband, Ed who was also a member as well as a policeman in town. They became the first husband and wife members, and many would soon follow. She would also found the youth squad, and it played a key role in the development of many young members of the community. In addition, their daughter Diane Tellefsen-Moritz would also join the corps and serve in several capacities, including captain.
Also, in that year a new 1969 Cadillac ambulance was purchased by the corps. A dedication was held at headquarters with Fr. Stockhammer of Guardian Angel R.C. Church giving the invocation. Mayor Norman Lane was present as was Charter Member Charlie Bijou.
When the fortieth anniversary of the corps’ founding occurred in the summer of 1977, a large party was planned at the Guardian Angel Church Auditorium. Tickets were sold for $7.50 per person and The Saddle River Valley Orchestra performed with a selection of dance music from the 30’s and 40’s. Dr. Kanning was invited to speak and tell the story of the corps’ creation.
In the years that followed it became apparent that the small building next to the fire department was inadequate to meet the corps’ needs. Ambulances were now larger and were being designed to be modular. The current building was limited and could barely accommodate the two ambulances that were being used by the corps. Meeting could not be conducted without removing the vehicles beforehand, so funds were raised for a new building. Several sites were evaluated including an area next to Crestwood Lake, but the corner lot on Arcadia and Franklin Turnpike was chosen because of its convenient location. The borough council approved the site and introduced a bonding ordinance at its meeting of July 10, 1977 to finance the building of the facility. Later the corps presented a check of $80,000 to the borough from funds raised by the corps for this purpose. The remaining $165,000 would be taken on by the borough.
Construction began and finally on June 13, 1980 the new building was dedicated at an open house town celebration. President Harold DeNiear spoke about the proud history of the corps and Vice President Chuck Dombeck introduced the corps officers. Surviving charter members Harold Heidrich and Charles Bijou presided over the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The next rig to be dedicated was a 1984 Ford modular specifically designed to accommodate paramedics and their special advanced support equipment. The dedication took place on October 20th of that year with a parade from Crestwood Lake to the new ambulance building on Arcadia, where the formal ceremony was held.
During this time frame several prominent members would join the corps and contribute much to the corps. Linda Huizer-Morgan started as a junior member and would go on to become captain in the early eighties. Also, Aristotle Escalona joined the corps and has served for almost thirty years. He continues as one of the longest riding members of the corps and has served in a variety of offices including treasurer.
