POMPTON LAKES SEARCH AND RESCUE TEAM

The Pompton Lakes Police Search and Rescue Team was formed in 1957, and was one of the first dive teams in the State of New Jersey. Some of the members at the time were Pti. Robert Fastiggi, Pti. Lynn Weckback and Reserve officers William O'Sullivan and James Egan.

In 1984 a building was constructed to house a new truck and two boats. It was constructed by the members of the Search and Rescue. The building was made possible through donations of time, money, equipment and building expertise. The entire project cost the Borough $100.00. The building is located next to the Civic Center and was dedicated to Police Chief Joseph Sisco, October 2, 1987.

The Search and Rescue's new GMC Step Truck was purchased with funding from the town in 1984. The inside of the truck was totally outfitted by the dive team with personal donations and monies raised through various fundraisers. The team also has two boats on trailers that are fully equipped and a box trailer to carry additional equipment when needed.

The dive team keeps busy in the summer patrolling the lake and maintaining the buoys which mark the lake. Not only does the team voluntarily serve our community, but they have been called to assist neighboring communities including Wayne, Ringwood, Wanaque, West Milford and Oakland.

During the spring months when flooding is always a possibility in Pompton Lakes the team is called upon to evacuate residents from their flooded homes. They also assist the regular police with security patrols in flooded areas.

Members of the Search and Rescue Team are very qualified individuals who donate their time. Some are full time Police Officers, State certified Special Police Officers and local residents who are non-police personnel.

Team members continually improve their skills by taking specialty diving courses, ongoing police training and participating in many Emergency management and Rescue Drills.

Many members have come and gone over the years and the total makes it too numerous to list. Active members of the Team are Chief Albert L. Ekkers, Special Officers Robert Cahill, Officer in Charge, Vern Kuiken, Michael Magee, Walter Gosson, Jeff Jenkins, Ptl. Robert McGrady and two local residents, Greg Visser and Anthony Gisimondo.

The team was later disbanded when the county took over the responsibility.