December 8, 2010 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 5 Franklin Lakes Ambulance corps residence rule eliminated by Frank J. McMahon The Borough of Franklin Lakes has eliminated the requirement that ambulance corps members must reside in the borough. In order to be eligible for the ambulance corps, individuals must be citizens of the United States and at least 18 years of age. (Junior members are not required to meet the age requirement.) All persons who fulfill the membership requirements as described in the constitution and bylaws of the ambulance corps, and who promise to perform the duties prescribed by that constitution and bylaws, can now become members. Ambulance Corps President Marc McKeon made the suggestion to eliminate the residency requirement during a recent council meeting. Councilman William Smith said he saw no reason not to open up the membership, and the rest of the council members supported the idea. “The ambulance corps, similar to all volunteer organizations, is always in a struggle to get new members,” Smith said. “It seems to me there was no reason why we would reject someone who is generous enough to want to contribute their time to the benefit of the borough’s residents. So why would we limit it to people who live or work in Franklin Lakes?” Smith added that the corps and the council can use discretion to limit the number of members of the corps and in the approval of new members. The ordinance was introduced and adopted without council or public comment. Each ambulance corps member is entitled to receive a badge and certain other property, which must remain the property of the ambulance corps and, upon termination of that membership, the badge and all other property must be immediately surrendered to the corps. The Franklin Lakes Volunteer Ambulance Corps provides emergency medical services in the borough and in neighboring communities in cooperation with those communities. All services rendered by the members of the ambulance corps are voluntary. The ambulance corps and the equipment utilized by the corps are under the full charge and control of an Ambulance Committee. The committee is appointed by the mayor and consists of two members of the borough council. The officers of the ambulance corps are responsible to the committee for all activities of the ambulance corps and for the repair, upkeep, care, and control of all equipment and property utilized by the corps. The organization of the corps includes the following line officers: captain, first lieutenant, second lieutenant, and third lieutenant. The number of officers, their election/appointment, and their duties are established by the constitution and bylaws of the ambulance corps. They are elected by secret ballots cast by all members eligible to vote under the ambulance corps’ constitution and bylaws at its regular and annual November meeting each year. Line officers are not be permitted to hold office until said elections have been confirmed by the borough council. The captain has the duty to submit a report to the borough council at its regular meeting each month. That report must provide the mayor and council with the condition of the ambulance corps and its apparatus and any other matters the ambulance corps or the captain may deem necessary, or any matters and information requested by the mayor and council. Once Upon A Time... Introducing our 2011 COMMUNION DRESS collection! Featured Event A Special Occasions Boutique Christie Helene Communion Dress Trunk Show Monday 12.27 thru Wed 12.29 A 10% discount will be given on dress purchases made during trunk show only Space is limited so call to schedule your appointment today! 973-890-7077 onceuponatimestore.com 453 Main Street, Little Falls 12-8-10 janine OnceUponATime3x3.5Color(12-8-10) 3 x 3.5 Senator Kevin O’Toole and NJ Cares need your help in collecting 1,000 coats for the needy. Bring to the Drop Off Box at your local Town Hall by December 15th, or contact Senator O’Toole: Tel: 973-237-1360 Email: senotoole@njleg.org