Plainsboro Rescue squad

Finally, a Permanent Home

Because the temporary home of the Plainsboro Rescue Squad was just that, temporary, one major, long-term objective was to have a permanent place for the squad to call home. In September 1978, the Township presented the squad a parcel of land for a 50,000 square foot building located in the municipal center complex. A building committee was established. A wish list was drawn up, an architect, initially Short & Ford, engaged; the building project was underway, and Plainsboro Rescue Squad would have a permanent building they could call their own in about 5 to 7 years.

Between 1978, when the project started, and 1985 when the project was completed, there were permits to be applied for, growing plains, and considerable turmoil over the size. Design and cost of the proposed building, to name a few problems. The original building proposal, designed by Short &Ford, were two buildings one for meeting rooms, the other a drive through garage for the ambulances. The two buildings were to be connected by an office, ready room and storage for supplies and training equipment. As time went on, and the members got restless, the squad decided that the building was too large and too expensive. Why did the squad need such a large building? Another architect and building plan was proposed, and then a third. Finally, construction of a smaller building, which would contain the meeting room, storage, office and garage for the ambulances, and whose footprint seemed oddly similar to the second proposal, began.

Finally, in June 1985, the Plainsboro Rescue Squad building was dedicated. The dedication also served as a celebration of the squad, 10 years of service to the people of Plainsboro Township. A parade was held. The fire department and neighboring squads participated in the parade. All invited guests and the community were invited to the open house that followed the parade. Scanticon had donated some of the refreshments.

In 1996, do to the difficulty getting members to ride between the hours of 7:00 AM and 5:00 PM, the Township approved of hiring two EMTs, and several per-diem EMTs, to cover the daytime hours. The paid EMTs are under the direction of the Police Chief/Public Safety Director and utilize the squads equipment. If a second ambulance was needed, available squad members, or mutual aid, would respond.

Founders Day c.1994 left to right:

June 21, 1979 left to right:

1- John Wills

2- John Pinelli

3- Nick Baglivi.Lions Club President

"A home of their own- Plainsboro Lions Club President Nick Baglivi presents John Pinelli with $1000 check for the Plainsboro Rescue Squad's Building Fund. John Wills, as chariman with Mr. Pinelli on the fund drive, smiles appreciatively."

Quoted from the West Windsor- Plainsboro Chronicle