The History of the Tabernacle Rescue Squad

The Tabernacle Rescue Squad has proudly served the residents of Tabernacle Township and surrounding communities for over 55 years. Its journey began in 1952 when members of the Medford Farms Fire Company and local citizens founded the Medford Farms Emergency Squad. By 1953, operations started with a used 1939 LaSalle ambulance housed in a small firehouse on Hawkins Road. Soon, a second ambulance—a 1940 Ford—was acquired, and by 1957, a dedicated two-bay building was constructed to accommodate the growing needs of the squad.

1960s–1970s: Growth and Modernization In the 1960s, the squad upgraded its fleet with Cadillac, Oldsmobile, and Pontiac ambulances, while communications improved with party-line telephones and a firehouse siren. The 1970s brought significant growth, including new building additions, the first township-purchased ambulance (a Dodge Van in 1974), and the acquisition of specialized vehicles like a 1953 Military Dodge ambulance for off-road rescues. By the late 1970s, technology like pagers and CB radios replaced older communication methods.

1980s: The Peak of Volunteer Service The 1980s were a high point, with the squad responding to nearly 1,000 calls annually across Tabernacle and Shamong Townships. Key milestones included purchasing demonstrator ambulances, the first set of Jaws of Life, and the squad’s first new Ford Horton ambulance in 1984. In 1988, the organization officially became the Tabernacle Rescue Squad, aligning its identity with the community it served.

1990s: Challenges and Innovation A split in membership led to the formation of Shamong EMS, reducing call volume for the squad. Despite financial challenges, the squad innovated by refurbishing ambulances and acquiring cost-effective vehicles. Notably, the squad introduced the area’s first medium-duty chassis ambulance in 1991 and continued to modernize its fleet.

2000s: Expansion and Upgrades

The 2000s were a transformative period for the Tabernacle Rescue Squad, marked by significant investments and advancements:

• 2006: The township funded the purchase of a $300,000 rescue truck, elevating the squad’s rescue capabilities and modernizing its fleet.
• County Mass Casualty Trailer: The squad became one of two county-designated sites to house and operate a Mass Casualty Trailer, equipped to treat over 50 patients in large-scale emergencies.
• 2010: A new, state-of-the-art Horton ambulance was added to the fleet, featuring advanced safety and accessibility features.
• 2012: The long-anticipated Tabernacle Township Emergency Services Building was completed. This modern facility not only became the squad’s home base but also served as the hub for emergency management functions, housing the Office of Emergency Management, the Pinelands CERT team, and the Emergency Operations Center.

This decade underscored the squad’s commitment to improving infrastructure and preparedness, ensuring robust and reliable services for the community.