Lakeland Emergency Squad

04/26/2026

The Hudson Farm Fall Charity Hike is being in the Spring this year! Join us in two weeks for a change of pace, and enjoy the fresh May air! 🥾

04/17/2026

Lakeland EMS regrets to announce the passing of Life Member Arthur “Artie” Schikschneit. Art joined the Department approximately 30 years ago and served as an EMT, Rescue Member, Sergeant, and Trustee during his active time with us. He dutifully responded with Lakeland during the tragic events of 9/11, and also served with our friends at Hopatcong Ambulance Squad prior to joining Lakeland. Rest peacefully, Artie. Thank you for your decades of service to the Department and to your community. We will miss you, friend.

In lieu of arrangements in the short term, we will remember Art with a last call broadcast tomorrow (Saturday) shortly after 12:00PM for those who would like to listen in remotely or you may join us by gathering at our HQ in Byram.

04/04/2026

Wishing you and your families a very happy and safe Easter from all of us at 43 Rescue! Thanks to everyone who packed the house at Wild West City this morning and made this year’s egg hunt another great success!! 🐰

It was great to see so many Lakeland alumni (at least seven) and their families enjoying this morning’s festivities, as well as fourteen active department members! A HUGE thank you to Wild West City for their continued support!

04/01/2026

We are EGGcited to see everyone is 3 days for our annual egg hunt! Over 3,000 eggs and a visit from the Easter Bunny 🐰 As always, the Lakeland Easter Egg Hunt is a completely free event for families in the Sussex County area!

03/11/2026

Today marks a whopping 7️⃣ years since Lakeland became a hybrid department! On March 11, 2019 at 05:00, BLS4353 officially signed on as staffed for the first time. Over those years, we’ve grown and adapted to changing needs as any healthy agency does, and today we continue to thrive. What hasn’t changed since day one though is that the dedicated volunteers and professional career staff EMTs work TOGETHER to deliver outstanding emergency medical services to those in need in and around our communities day in and day out! 🙌🏻

03/10/2026

Shortly before 8PM Monday evening, Lakeland EMS and Byram FD responded to Interstate 80 Eastbound MM22.4 for reports of a vehicle off the roadway overturned in a ravine. BLS4351 (staffed) responded immediately, followed shortly by BLS4355, BLS4353, BLS4352 and Allamuchy-Green First Aid Squad BLS9551. Arriving units confirmed 4 occupants still in the vehicle. Four patients were transported to a regional trauma center. BLS4352 remained available to cover the primary while the other units were committed. Also on this incident: NJSP, BTPD, Allamuchy Fire Dept. 91F, Saint Clare’s MIC 57, Netcong Fire Company No. 1, and Green Township Fire Department. Thanks to the Sussex County Sheriffs 911 Center for their help in coordinating the incident!

03/07/2026

Come join us at Wild West City for our annual Easter Egg Hunt on April 4th at 10am.

02/13/2026

A single image can capture a moment so devastating, no words could ever fully explain.

At approximately 3:45 PM, the Hopatcong Police Department was dispatched to a structure fire at OSCAR (One Step Closer Animal Rescue) located on Stanhope-Sparta Road in Hopatcong.

Upon arrival, officers from the Hopatcong Police Department and Stanhope Police Department encountered heavy fire and smoke conditions. Despite the intense and dangerous circumstances, responders along with courageous OSCAR staff members, employees from Lakeside Construction, and nearby bystanders acted swiftly and selflessly to rescue the majority of the animals prior to the fire department’s arrival.

Thanks to their extraordinary efforts, 37 dogs were safely rescued. Tragically, 6 dogs perished in the fire.

This was truly a coordinated team effort. We extend our sincere gratitude to the following agencies for their assistance and support during this incident:

• Stanhope Police Department
• Byram Township Police Department
• Sparta Police Department
• Netcong Police Department
• Hopatcong Fire Department
• Netcong Borough Fire Department
• Byram Township Fire Department
• Stanhope Fire Department
• Jefferson Township Fire Company
• Budd Lake Fire Department
• Roxbury Township Fire Department
• Mt. Arlington Fire Department
• Hopatcong Ambulance Squad
• Roxbury Ambulance Squad
• Stanhope Netcong American Legion Ambulance Corps
• Lakeland Emergency Squad
• Jefferson Township Rescue Squad
• Hopatcong Animal Control
• Roxbury Animal Control
• Sparta Animal Control
• Wantage Animal Control
• Atlantic Mobile Health
• Sussex County Office of Emergency Management
• Hopatcong Office of Emergency Management
• Sussex County Fire Marshal’s Office
• Hopatcong Fire Marshal
• Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office
• Lakeside Construction
• Byram Bus
• Hudson Farm

As well as the many additional agencies and individuals who answered our call for assistance and stood by in support.

One Step Closer Animal Rescue has suffered the devastating loss of their shelter and will need the community’s continued support as they care for the surviving animals during this incredibly difficult time.

Please keep the animals, rescue staff, and all those affected in your thoughts and prayers.

02/12/2026

🚨 BLS 4355, BLS 4352, and SSU 4359 responded to this commercial structure fire at One Step Closer Animal Rescue OSCAR late this afternoon to assist our neighbors at Hopatcong Ambulance Squad. Just prior to this request, BLS 4351 was dispatched out to a medical local in Byram. We wish the team st OSCAR a speedy recovery to get back on their feet working toward their mission.

Stanhope-Netcong American Legion Ambulance Corps (SNALAC)
Jefferson Township Rescue Squad

Fire In Progress at OSCAR Dog Shelter

02/12/2026

10/04/2025

🥾 Today’s the day! Bring your family and friends up to the Hudson Farm Fall Charity Hike - this is a FREE event and the weather is perfect for a nice walk in the woods ☀️

SAVE THE DATE: OCTOBER 4, 2025