100% volunteers working for your community
Established in 1937, the West Essex First Aid Squad (WEFAS) is a not for profit, 501(c)(3) organization providing emergency medical and rescue services to the New Jersey municipalities of Caldwell, Essex Fells, Fairfield, North Caldwell and West Caldwell.
Our squad headquarters at 642 Bloomfield Avenue in West Caldwell is used to train our volunteers, dispatch our first responders and store our equipment —including four fully-equipped ambulances, a rescue truck, a first response vehicle, a support vehicle, health care equipment and medical supplies.
WEFAS is a proud member of the New Jersey EMS Task Force, an organization established to provide emergency responders to be on call for major incidents and pre-planned events throughout NJ.
Devoted volunteers, life-saving services
Over the years, our squad has become a valued staple in the communities we serve — giving our all to help in times of need. We are your friends, children, parents and siblings, all dedicated to the care and well-being of our neighbors. We love what we do. And thanks to the volunteer leadership of our board and committees, and the commitment of nearly a hundred certified volunteer EMTs, we can offer a critical, life-saving service — all at no charge.
WEFAS by the numbers
Last year (2022), we saw a large increase of 17.6% in total calls (emergencies, standbys and events) over 2021 as shown below.
| Town | 2021 Calls | 2022 Calls | Percent Change |
| Caldwell | 574 | 712 | +24.0% |
| Essex Fells | 80 | 105 | +31.3% |
| Fairfield | 456 | 582 | +27.6% |
| North Caldwell | 240 | 294 | +22.5% |
| West Caldwell | 921 | 1,031 | +11.9% |
| Mutual aid to surrounding towns | 104 | 68 | -34.6% |
| Total | 2,375 | 2,792 | +17.6% |
Our unique, 21-square mile service area includes:
- 35,000+ citizens
- Numerous businesses
- 21 schools
- 5 major hotels
- 3 nursing homes
- 2 assisted living facilities
- Essex County Airport
When our services are needed, we drop everything to help the community we love. You can count on us to be there for YOU!
WEFAS 2023 Board of Trustees
John Ginefra, Board Chair
Peter Nancoz, Squad President
Thomas Salandra, Squad Treasurer
Mary Donovan, Squad Vice President
Jeff Sutherlin, Squad Captain
Dana Ely, Board Member
Thomas Nancoz, Board Member
Christine Porcello, Board Vice Chair
Janice Stickles, Board Secretary