In May of 1951, a group of 22 members of Walter Nightengale Post #57 of the American Legion in Waldwick formed the Waldwick American Legion Volunteer Ambulance Corps. Their motto was known as "Mercy on Wheels".

The first fund drive was started by local artist Jim Kern who raffeled off a painting and collected $2000. Then the door to door drive collected another $650. In October 1952 the Corps purchased the first Ambulance, a 1951 Ford, equipped with an oxygen unit, resuscitator, spints, a backboard, bandages, first aid kit, firefighter air tank, crutches, extra blankets, and a cot, to transport patients to the hospital. In 1953, the Corps leased land adjacent to the Legio Post and built its own headquarters. The building was completed with a total cash outlay of $1000.Women started joining in May 1955.

The Corps received no monetary support from the Post or from the Boro, depending solely on the generosity of the residents to provide ambulances, first aid supplies, equipment and training.

Every member had a standard first aid card, and some had an advanced card. Pete Dreyer and Joe McGoldrick were qualified as official Red Cross instructors. In the early days you had to be a member of the Legion or its Auxiliary to be a member of the Corps. However, in the early 60's when members were becoming scarce, outsiders were permitted to join. Henry Forlano was the first non-Legionnaire. Clyde Tillison was the first Captain and Sheldon McWilliams was the first President. In the early 70's CPR was added to the training, then the 5 point system started which included Advanced First Aid, Childbirth, CPR, Extracation, and Defensive Driving.

Many lives were saved by this very dedicated group of volunteers. Their spirit of life saving determination lives on today.

Now you must pass an EMS program which requires 120 hours of training at the EMS School in Paramus or Mahwah. With the advent of advanced training and equipment, the Corps needed more space. Through the diligence of President Fred Cenno, the Corps received a grant of $1000 and leased from the Boro, the property behind Fire Co.2 off of Wyckoff Avenue. The garage and lower floor are used by the Ambulance Corps and an additional grant was used to finish the second floor for the Senior Citizen meeting room as well as non-profit groups in the Boro.

There is always a need for additional volunteers, day or night. Anyone interested in helping their neighbors can call 201-445-8772 for information on how they can help. Training and uniforms are free.