MAPLEWOOD MOVES CLOSER TO SHARED FIRST AID, FIRE WITH SOUTH ORANGE

Maplewood moved a step closer to sharing first aid and fire department services with South Orange at last week's Township Committee meeting.

First, the TC agreed to consider a resolution at its next meeting in August to approve a memorandum of understanding with the South Orange First Aid Squad to provide ambulance service for our residents.

"Maplewood First Aid squad has disbanded and the South Orange Rescue Squad is providing back-up now (to the Maplewood Fire Department) and we hope to work with them so they become the volunteer crew in Maplewood," Mayor Vic Deluca said at last week's meeting. "They would be the primary EMS responder."

The mayor also said it is hoped the South Orange squad could use the former Maplewood First Aid Squad building on Boyden Avenue as well.

The TC also approved a resolution authorizing a contract with Manitou Inc. to conduct a study of merging our fire department with South Orange. The review will cost $46,000, half of which will be paid be each town, and is expected to be completed by the end of 2016.