 Clinton, NJ...South Branch Emergency Services (SBES) will launch a paid EMT
apprenticeship program in February and now seeks applicants for the inaugural class. “The new South Branch Emergency Services EMT Apprenticeship Program will allow us to train and hire more EMTs - something we must do to meet the growing demand for SBES services,” said SBES Chief Frank Setnicky. “The program will also have a tremendous impact on the lives of our apprentices,” Setnicky added. “Training won’t cost them anything – in fact, we will pay them to train. Then, those who successfully complete the program will be offered an EMT position and a raise.”
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As part of SBES' 2022 EMS Week Open House celebration, we invited our communities to submit entries to our Poster Contest, and the community answered. We received over 30 entries from individuals, classes, families and beyond. Thank you to all! And now we present our "Winners" BEST OVERALL BEST OVERALL: Foundations Preschool - Butterflies MOST CREATIVE
MOST INFORMATIVE
Clinton Township Police and South Branch Emergency Services Announce |
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The decision means Hampton, Glen Gardner, and Bethlehem Township residents will continue to receive excellent emergency care with faster response times despite a decline in volunteers.
Chief Setnicky (SBES) and Chief Tampier (HES) are pleased to announce our mergers Hunterdon County, NJ...Hampton Emergency Squad, which provides emergency medical care in Hampton, Glen Gardner and Bethlehem Township, will merge with South Branch Emergency Services on January 1, 2022, leaders from both organizations announced. The resulting organization will operate under the South Branch name and provide coverage to all areas currently served by the two entities.
“We’re very excited about it,” said Hampton Chief Penny Tampier. “The people are going to get better service.”
Residents served by Hampton are already familiar with South Branch, whose EMTs provide daytime coverage from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Currently, Hampton volunteers respond to nighttime emergencies from home, heading first to the station and then to the call. After the merger, on-duty squad members will respond directly to emergencies. “Response times should be much quicker,” Tampier said.
A decline in volunteers – gradual for years, and recently abrupt – led Hampton Emergency Squad leaders to seek the merger, Tampier said. The gradual decline in volunteer numbers and daytime availability is a problem faced by all volunteer-based emergency services, and what led Hampton to seek a daytime coverage partnership nearly two decades ago. Then in 2021, Hampton’s volunteer roster dropped sharply, from 20 EMTs. Some volunteers moved or went back to college.
“We want to be able to give the same high level of care that we were always able to in the past, the level of care that people expect from us, and this merger allows that to happen” stressed Chief Tampier.
“We’re very excited about it,” said Hampton Chief Penny Tampier. “The people are going to get better service.”
Residents served by Hampton are already familiar with South Branch, whose EMTs provide daytime coverage from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Currently, Hampton volunteers respond to nighttime emergencies from home, heading first to the station and then to the call. After the merger, on-duty squad members will respond directly to emergencies. “Response times should be much quicker,” Tampier said.
A decline in volunteers – gradual for years, and recently abrupt – led Hampton Emergency Squad leaders to seek the merger, Tampier said. The gradual decline in volunteer numbers and daytime availability is a problem faced by all volunteer-based emergency services, and what led Hampton to seek a daytime coverage partnership nearly two decades ago. Then in 2021, Hampton’s volunteer roster dropped sharply, from 20 EMTs. Some volunteers moved or went back to college.
“We want to be able to give the same high level of care that we were always able to in the past, the level of care that people expect from us, and this merger allows that to happen” stressed Chief Tampier.
Two Mergers in Two Years Creating a Regional Approach
South Branch Emergency Services (SBES) is led and largely staffed by volunteers who donate their skills and time to save lives, but what they do is not free! From ambulances and rescue trucks to air masks and bandages, SBES has many expenses to cover and needs the help of the community to do so.
“We are asking community members to consider making a tax-deductible donation,” said Chief Frank Setnicky. “Whatever a household can afford will help us afford the apparatus, equipment, and supplies we need to respond to medical and other emergencies.” Last year, South Branch’s 159 team members responded to 3,736 calls for help in Clinton Township, the Town of Clinton, High Bridge Borough, Lebanon Borough, and portions of Franklin Township and Union Township, amongst several others. Residents of those townships should have received information about donating in the mail. Donations can also be made online at www.sbes365.org.
SBES volunteers donate more than 30,000 hours annually to on-call shifts, response, and training. Even at minimum wage, that’s equivalent to more than $250,000 in savings to taxpayers.
“Their generous contribution is one leg of a stool, but the stool can’t stand without it’s other legs: municipal funding, ambulance billing, and financial support from our community,” said SBES President Sharon Burham. “Community support also shows the volunteers who take time away from their family, friends, hobbies, and sometimes even sleep to help their neighbors,” she said.
Looking for other ways to assist SBES?
- To include SBES in your will or other estate planning, email treasurer@sbes365.org and someone will contact you.
- Donate your time and talent as a volunteer. SBES always needs more EMTs, rescue and water rescue associates, teen cadets, and non-emergency volunteers! Visit www.sbes365.org to learn more or sign up.
Annandale, NJ – Lt. Thomas DeRosa, officer in charge of the Clinton Township Police, and Chief Frank Setnicky, Chief of the South Branch Emergency Services, announce the return of the Clinton Township Junior Police & Emergency Services Academy. The program will run from August 2 nd through August 6th, 2021, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and is open to individuals age 12-16 who have an interest in learning more about the public safety career path. Planned activities for the week include marching, light physical training, exposure to simulated police work, emergency first aid training, classroom time, guest speakers, presentations and field trips. Applicants will be screened and preference will be given to
Clinton Township residents. There is no charge, however class size is capped at 30 participants; all applications received from qualified applicants well be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. The application process will close on July 23, 2021 at 4:00 pm and participants will be notified of their acceptance thereafter. Applications are available at the Clinton Township Police Department, 1370 Route 31, Annandale or online at www.ctpd.org.
Clinton Township residents. There is no charge, however class size is capped at 30 participants; all applications received from qualified applicants well be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. The application process will close on July 23, 2021 at 4:00 pm and participants will be notified of their acceptance thereafter. Applications are available at the Clinton Township Police Department, 1370 Route 31, Annandale or online at www.ctpd.org.
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Thank you to all who watch and supported the #Hunterdonstrong telethon. It was an amazing event to celebrate these eleven non-profits and our county’s first responders, like South Branch Emergency Services, who are the frontline serving our community.
When you support #Hunterdon Strong, your donation is helping the following organizations listed below. In this season of giving, it is not too late to support the Hunterdon Strong campaign.
To donate, please visit www.hunterdonstrong.org.
When you support #Hunterdon Strong, your donation is helping the following organizations listed below. In this season of giving, it is not too late to support the Hunterdon Strong campaign.
To donate, please visit www.hunterdonstrong.org.
- America’s Grow-A-Row
- Family Promise of Hunterdon County
- Flemington Area Food Pantry
- Hunterdon County First Responders
- Hunterdon County YMCA
- Hunterdon Healthcare Foundation
- Hunterdon Helpline
- Meals on Wheels in Hunterdon
- Norwescap
- Prevention Resources
- Safe in Hunterdon
- United Way of Hunterdon County
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The merger of Clinton First Aid & Rescue Squad and High Bridge Emergency Squad is complete. The mission to provide the highest quality emergency medical care continues. More volunteers are needed now.
Clinton and High Bridge, NJ…When someone in these communities needs urgent medical treatment, emergency rescue, or rapid and safe hospital transit, South Branch Emergency Services now answers the call.
South Branch Emergency Services was created by the merger of two long-serving emergency service organizations: Clinton First Aid & Rescue Squad and High Bridge Emergency Squad. Research convinced leaders of both founding organizations and a Steering Committee of residents, business owners, and elected officials from both communities that a merger would yield quicker response times and other efficiencies. The Committee provided planning and guidance that resulted in the new South Branch Emergency Services (SBES), which launched July 1. SBES serves the same northern areas of Hunterdon County that the two former organizations did: the Town of Clinton, Clinton Township, High Bridge, Lebanon Borough, and parts of Franklin Township and Union Township.
Key Community Benefits
The former Clinton building at 48 Old Highway 22 in the Town of Clinton and the High Bridge building at 95 West Main Street in High Bridge remain open. High Bridge's evening staffing has changed from on-call to on-site. Both Clinton and High Bridge ambulances and other apparatus remain in service – now sporting new decals bearing the South Branch name. A single administrative team can serve what was two organizations and use resources more efficiently. Most importantly, SBES brings together the skills, experience, and dedication of High Bridge’s 20 volunteers, Clinton’s 90 volunteers, and Clinton’s 40 paid full- and part-time EMTs.
New Volunteers are Needed NOW
The need for emergency medical care has never been higher. South Branch Chief Frank Setnicky and Battalion Chief John “JT” Silliman agree the key to continuously improving service as call volumes keep rising is simple: More volunteers.
“Simple doesn’t mean easy,” Silliman said. Setnicky agrees. “There is a nationwide shortage of volunteer first responders, and we have felt the impact here in Hunterdon County, too.”
Both men have lived in and served the community for many years, and they have faith in their neighbors.
“Once people realize we are a predominantly volunteer organization, we need volunteers now, and that no experience is necessary to join, they will want to help,” Silliman said.
“Training, equipment and gear are free,” added Setnicky. “You will learn how to save lives – there is no more meaningful way to give back. And you will quickly start making a difference.”
Training begins with specialized CPR and first aid classes, after which volunteers can assist EMTs on ambulance calls, gaining experience that helps prepare them for the EMT course and exams.
Training includes learning to stay safe while helping others, covering everything from how to safely lift a patient to preventing the spread of viruses, including COVID-19. COVID-19 precautions, such as wearing masks, will also be observed during training.
The two SBES officers add that members will receive as much as they give, including a profound sense of accomplishment and purpose and the life-long friendship of other members.
There are many different and vital ways to volunteer with SBES, including the Cadet program for teens ages 14 through 18 and non-emergency support roles. Those interested should visit www.SBES365.org to learn more or fill out a volunteer inquiry form. Interested, but not certain? Consider the Observer Program. Anyone 18 or older can sign up to spend one shift riding along with the crew, no experience necessary.
Clinton and High Bridge, NJ…When someone in these communities needs urgent medical treatment, emergency rescue, or rapid and safe hospital transit, South Branch Emergency Services now answers the call.
South Branch Emergency Services was created by the merger of two long-serving emergency service organizations: Clinton First Aid & Rescue Squad and High Bridge Emergency Squad. Research convinced leaders of both founding organizations and a Steering Committee of residents, business owners, and elected officials from both communities that a merger would yield quicker response times and other efficiencies. The Committee provided planning and guidance that resulted in the new South Branch Emergency Services (SBES), which launched July 1. SBES serves the same northern areas of Hunterdon County that the two former organizations did: the Town of Clinton, Clinton Township, High Bridge, Lebanon Borough, and parts of Franklin Township and Union Township.
Key Community Benefits
The former Clinton building at 48 Old Highway 22 in the Town of Clinton and the High Bridge building at 95 West Main Street in High Bridge remain open. High Bridge's evening staffing has changed from on-call to on-site. Both Clinton and High Bridge ambulances and other apparatus remain in service – now sporting new decals bearing the South Branch name. A single administrative team can serve what was two organizations and use resources more efficiently. Most importantly, SBES brings together the skills, experience, and dedication of High Bridge’s 20 volunteers, Clinton’s 90 volunteers, and Clinton’s 40 paid full- and part-time EMTs.
New Volunteers are Needed NOW
The need for emergency medical care has never been higher. South Branch Chief Frank Setnicky and Battalion Chief John “JT” Silliman agree the key to continuously improving service as call volumes keep rising is simple: More volunteers.
“Simple doesn’t mean easy,” Silliman said. Setnicky agrees. “There is a nationwide shortage of volunteer first responders, and we have felt the impact here in Hunterdon County, too.”
Both men have lived in and served the community for many years, and they have faith in their neighbors.
“Once people realize we are a predominantly volunteer organization, we need volunteers now, and that no experience is necessary to join, they will want to help,” Silliman said.
“Training, equipment and gear are free,” added Setnicky. “You will learn how to save lives – there is no more meaningful way to give back. And you will quickly start making a difference.”
Training begins with specialized CPR and first aid classes, after which volunteers can assist EMTs on ambulance calls, gaining experience that helps prepare them for the EMT course and exams.
Training includes learning to stay safe while helping others, covering everything from how to safely lift a patient to preventing the spread of viruses, including COVID-19. COVID-19 precautions, such as wearing masks, will also be observed during training.
The two SBES officers add that members will receive as much as they give, including a profound sense of accomplishment and purpose and the life-long friendship of other members.
There are many different and vital ways to volunteer with SBES, including the Cadet program for teens ages 14 through 18 and non-emergency support roles. Those interested should visit www.SBES365.org to learn more or fill out a volunteer inquiry form. Interested, but not certain? Consider the Observer Program. Anyone 18 or older can sign up to spend one shift riding along with the crew, no experience necessary.
Congratulations Adrian VanNatta of Union Township, who graduated earlier this month from North Hunterdon High School. Adrian currently services as a Cadet member and joined us through High Bridge Emergency Squad in October 2016.
Cadet VanNatta joins a long list of family members who have served in the Hunterdon County EMS community, and we are proud to have him as part of our team.
He has helped in many ways with our social media and web presence over the past couple of years, and produced the inspiration behind what has become the new department patch for South Branch Emergency Services.
Adrian will be headed off to school for Automotive and Diesel mechanics in the near future. Way to go Adrian!
Cadet VanNatta joins a long list of family members who have served in the Hunterdon County EMS community, and we are proud to have him as part of our team.
He has helped in many ways with our social media and web presence over the past couple of years, and produced the inspiration behind what has become the new department patch for South Branch Emergency Services.
Adrian will be headed off to school for Automotive and Diesel mechanics in the near future. Way to go Adrian!
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Congratulations out to our latest volunteer Briana Bothe on your graduation for Hunterdon Central High School. Briana joined the Clinton First Aid & Rescue Squad as a cadet member in 2018, and completed her EMT Training last year.
Graduating from HCRHS with Honors, EMT Bothe also received a $1,000 scholarship from the George Daly Memorial Scholarship Foundation.
The George Daly Memorial Scholarship Fund was established to honor a cherished son, brother and friend whom was lost on February 12, 2015. George graduated with high honors in 2013 from HCRHS, where he was a member o the National Honor Society, Student Council, and was a team leader in Teen PEP.
At the end of the summer, Briana will be headed off to the University of Georgia! WAY TO GO from all your fellow members of South Branch Emergency Services!
Graduating from HCRHS with Honors, EMT Bothe also received a $1,000 scholarship from the George Daly Memorial Scholarship Foundation.
The George Daly Memorial Scholarship Fund was established to honor a cherished son, brother and friend whom was lost on February 12, 2015. George graduated with high honors in 2013 from HCRHS, where he was a member o the National Honor Society, Student Council, and was a team leader in Teen PEP.
At the end of the summer, Briana will be headed off to the University of Georgia! WAY TO GO from all your fellow members of South Branch Emergency Services!
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