The Hillsdale Volunteer Ambulance Service is proud to look back over the past 50 years of service to Hillsdale and its surrounding communities. Our organization came into being as the result of efforts back in 1953 by the Hillsdale Fire Department to start a first-aid service for a growing community. They set about raising $20,000 for an ambulance, building, equipment and supplies.

At the same time, first-aid training was in progress so that on January 5, 1954, 29 members signed the charter of the Hillsdale Fireman's Ambulance Service. The Service responded to 146 calls that first year under the leadership of Reinhardt Felton, President; Howard Stanley, Vice-President; Calvin Piper, Secretary; Lewis Jefferies, Treasurer; John Ottington, Captain; and Victor Wazeter, Lieutenant. In 2003 the present corps responded to almost 800 calls.

Improvements and changes followed from the onset when in that first year of operation, ten women completed their first-aid course. They were allowed to join as associate members but they were no permitted to ride in the ambulance. However with a great deal of utmost dedication and perseverance, after four years Mrs. Ruth Zabriskie broke the gender barrier by becoming the third member of a daytime crew. Needless to say many other women followed Ruth and in 1971 women were finally permitted to drive the ambulance.

Changes have continued over the years as Ambulances have been replaced and new advanced equipment has been added to the repertoire of first-aid gear. Another major change occurred on October 10, 1961. Since residents with no connection to the Fire Department were joining the Ambulance Corps, it was decided that the name should be changed to the Hillsdale Volunteer Ambulance Service. The linkage between the two organizations continues as family members serve in one or the other volunteer organization and some members even belong to both. The Corps also has a history of husbands and wives participating in the organization as riding members or associate members.

On Sunday, February 2, 1968, the Corps moved into the present building on Washington Avenue from the little garage that was attached to the rear of the old Borough Hall which was located on Park and Central Avenues. In September 1994 members of the Women's Auxiliary merged into the Hillsdale Volunteer Ambulance Service as associate members. This dedicated group of men and women is credited with raising funds ever since 1967 when the auxiliary was founded.

Throughout the history of the Corps, in an ever changing and improving medical care environment, progress has been made in all aspects of life saving techniques. The training has become more advanced, the equipment more sophisticated, the volunteers more skilled with the result that more lives are being saved.

Fifty years and many members later the Corps continues to change with the times, yet carries on the mission on which it was founded. Pride, dedication, and hard work are the qualities that have kept, and will continue to keep the Hillsdale Volunteer Ambulance Service providing Hillsdale and its surrounding communities with the highest level of care.

Taken from the 50th Anniversary Journal of the HVAS, the author unknown.