Today we’d like to introduce you to Charlie Silver.
Hi Charlie, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
SERVING TOMS RIVER FOR OVER NINETY YEARS.
Comprised fully of volunteers, Toms River First Aid Squad has been serving the residents of Toms River since 1931.
Toms River First Aid Squad is an independent EMS Agency based in the Historic Downtown section of Toms River and is dedicated to providing the community of Toms River with professional, courteous, and skilled emergency medical services.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
“No, it hasn’t been a completely smooth road — but that’s what makes our story so meaningful.”
Toms River First Aid Squad has proudly served our community as an all-volunteer, independent EMS agency since 1931. For nearly 95 years we’ve been based right in Historic Downtown Toms River, delivering professional, courteous, and skilled emergency medical services whenever our neighbors needed us.
That said, the last several years have brought real challenges. Like many volunteer organizations across New Jersey and the country, we’ve felt the sharp decline in volunteerism. It’s become harder to recruit and retain members, even as call volumes remain steady or increase. Financially, it’s been a constant struggle — our coffers are nearly depleted, making it difficult to provide uniforms and basic gear for our volunteers. Right now we’re operating with just one ambulance, which puts real pressure on response times during overlapping emergencies.
Despite those obstacles, we’ve stayed committed. This year alone we’ve welcomed 25 new dedicated members who are eager to carry on the tradition. Their energy has been a bright spot and a reminder of why we fight to keep this squad alive.
The road hasn’t been easy, but it’s strengthened our resolve. These challenges have shown us how much Toms River still values its volunteer first responders — and they’ve motivated us to reach out to the community for support so we can continue serving for another 95 years.
As you know, we’re big fans of Toms River First Aid Squad. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
TRFAS is home
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
If you’re just starting out as a new EMT, here’s the real talk (with a smile) — stuff I wish someone had told me on day one:
You will smell things no human should ever smell. Just accept it. Carry extra gloves, Vicks under your nose, and a sense of humor in your jump bag. Bodily fluids are basically part of the uniform.
Your first “I saved a life” moment will probably be followed immediately by a call for someone who sat on their TV remote and thought it was a heart attack. That’s normal. Celebrate the wins, laugh at the rest.
Coffee is your new best friend. The squad coffee pot is sacred. Learn to make it strong enough to wake the dead — because sometimes that’s literally your job.
Never say “It’s been a quiet shift…” That’s EMT for “Watch this.” The ambulance gods are always listening and they have a twisted sense of humor.
Show up, shut up, and learn. The old-timers have seen it all. Listen to their stories, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to admit you don’t know something. We’ve all been the new kid who didn’t know how to work the stretcher straps.
Most importantly: Never forget why you signed up. At Toms River First Aid Squad, we’ve been all-volunteer since 1931, proudly serving our neighbors from Historic Downtown with professional, courteous, and skilled care. Some days are messy, some nights are long, but showing up for your community never gets old.
So to every new EMT out there: buckle up, keep it light, and get ready for the wildest, most rewarding ride of your life. We’d love to have more of you join the crew!
Pricing:
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Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.trfas.org/
- Instagram: trfas39
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Toms-River-First-Aid-Squad-39/61587367836418
