Two volunteer emergency services organizations in Salem County bolster their fleets — and remind us why volunteers matter more than ever on this first day of Spring 2026.
SALEM COUNTY— The arrival of spring today, March 20th, 2026, brings more than just blooming flowers and warmer weather to Salem County. It marks a significant upgrade in local safety, as the community officially welcomes two new pieces of emergency apparatus.
Recently, both Daretown Fire Company and Penns Grove Ambulance Squad took delivery of new vehicles, a milestone that volunteers, community members, and local officials are celebrating with well-deserved pride.
Daretown Fire Co.: A Tanker Built for a Hydrant-Free Township
For Daretown Fire Company, the arrival of a new to them tractor-drawn tanker is nothing short of a game-changer. Serving a rural township where fire hydrants are nowhere to be found, the company has long relied on tanker trucks to haul water directly to the scene of a fire.
That challenge has grown more acute in recent years as a wave of dam removals across New Jersey has dried up many of the natural water sources that local firefighters once depended upon.
“Over the past several years, many dams across New Jersey have been removed or shut down. We’ve felt that impact here locally as well. When those dams disappear, so does critical access to water that firefighters rely on to fight fires effectively and safely. In a township like ours with no fire hydrants, that challenge becomes even more significant.”
— Daretown Fire Company
The new to them tractor-drawn tanker, funded primarily through community donations and fundraisers organized by the company itself, gives Daretown firefighters a modern, high-capacity tool to meet those challenges head-on. It is a testament to what a tight-knit rural community can accomplish when it rallies behind the men and women who protect it.
Penns Grove Ambulance Squad: Answering the Call, Around the Clock
Penns Grove Ambulance Squad is rolling out a new ambulance that replaces an older unit. The upgrade could not have come at a better time for a squad that handles an extraordinary volume of calls entirely through the dedication of unpaid volunteers.
The squad responds to over a thousand EMS calls per year — 24/7 — without a single paid staff member on duty. Beyond their home territory, the squad is also called upon by neighboring towns through mutual aid agreements.
The new ambulance brings updated medical equipment, improved safety features, and greater reliability to a crew that simply cannot afford downtime. When every second counts, having a dependable vehicle can mean the difference between life and death.
The Backbone of Rural Emergency Services: Volunteers
Stories like these serve as a powerful reminder of what volunteers mean to rural communities. Unlike urban areas with fully staffed, publicly funded fire and EMS departments, many of New Jersey’s smaller townships and boroughs depend almost entirely on the willingness of ordinary residents to give their time, training, and energy to protect their neighbors.
These are not professionals clocking in for a shift. They are teachers, tradespeople, parents, and retirees who have chosen to answer a calling that most people never consider. They train on their own time, respond in the middle of the night, and do it all without a paycheck. New apparatus helps, but it is the people behind the wheel and in the back of those trucks who make the real difference.
How You Can Help
Both Daretown Fire Company and Penns Grove Ambulance Squad are actively seeking new volunteers. No prior experience necessary. The only requirement is the willingness to learn and serve. Whether you’re interested in firefighting, emergency medical services, or supporting roles behind the scenes, your community needs you!
To learn more about joining or donating:
- Daretown Fire Company: Visit their Facebook page or stop by the firehouse to speak with a member.
- Penns Grove Ambulance Squad: Reach out through their social media channels or contact the squad directly.
All fire companies are volunteer in Salem County, Ambulance squads for some towns remain volunteer such as Alloway, Quinton, Norma, Mannington, Elsinboro, Penns Grove and Pedricktown. All other ambulances are provided by EMSS or municipal based ambulance department since the recent contract change from American Legion. If anybody would like some assistance with volunteer recruitment please feel to reach out via Facebook message or send an email to pat@thenewsofsalemcounty.com and we will assist in any way that we can.