National EMS Week (May 18–24) offers an opportunity to recognize the contributions of emergency medical responders—and in Hopewell, it comes amid a period of sustained demand for its all-volunteer EMS unit.
Since the closure of the Pennington First Aid Squad on March 31, 2023, the Hopewell Fire Department’s Emergency Medical Unit, Squad 152, has seen a significant increase in calls. The squad responded to 347 calls in 2022. That number jumped to 528 in 2023 and 548 in 2024. Between January 1 and April 30 of this year, the squad has already handled 174 calls.
About 19 percent of calls involve falls, 15 percent are general medical emergencies, 11 percent involve respiratory distress, and 10 percent are cardiac-related. Squad 152 serves all of Hopewell Borough and about 70 percent of Hopewell Township.
With only three daytime EMTs funded by the Fire Commissioners, the rest of the squad’s coverage is provided by volunteers. Mutual aid is also provided by Capital Health, Union-Titusville’s Squad 153, Princeton EMS, and AMWA Valley Ringoes when Hopewell ambulances are unavailable.
In response to the rising call volume, the squad has expanded its recruitment efforts—welcoming nearly 30 former Pennington volunteers and launching community outreach through yard signs, pancake breakfasts, Halloween parade floats, and a junior member program.
“We welcome anyone eager to learn—EMTs, drivers, firefighters, or even administrative volunteers for fundraising, outreach, and station upkeep,” said Chief Jason Read. “No prior experience is needed—we provide full training.”
Training to become an EMT includes approximately 180 hours of classroom instruction and clinical time in hospitals. “You learn CPR, shock management, childbirth delivery—skills that are both practical and potentially lifesaving,” Read said.
Volunteers often balance their shifts with work, school, and family responsibilities. Deputy Chief Luke Morehouse noted that elevated certification and recertification requirements pose challenges for retention and recruitment. “There’s a higher level of professionalism required now,” he said. “I have three young children, and the only reason I’m able to do this is because I have a very supportive family.”
The volunteer hours contributed each day—an estimated 36 hours total—translate into roughly $330,000 in annual savings compared to hiring full-time EMTs.
To improve future staffing and response capacity, the department is exploring adding bunk rooms to Station 52, which would allow out-of-town volunteers to stay overnight. “One of the things we’re looking to do is put a bunk room into our firehouse that would allow folks from outside of our area to respond and be on duty,” Morehouse said.
Read said the squad remains open to new volunteers. “No experience is required—just a willingness to work with others and serve the community,” he said. “If you’re interested, visit HopewellFire.com or scan one of our yard-sign QR codes.”
