Stafford Township Emergency Medical Services

06/02/2026

Hurricane Season officially runs from June 1st through November 30th, which means:

The good news? NOAA is currently predicting a below-normal Atlantic hurricane season for 2026 due in part to El Niño conditions and increased wind shear. However it only takes ONE storm to make it a very active season for us locally.

A few important reminders as we head into the season:

✔️ Check your generators now, not during the storm
✔️ Review your emergency kits and supplies
✔️ Know multiple ways to receive weather alerts
✔️ Have a family plan for children, seniors, individuals with disabilities, pets, medications, and communication

05/30/2026

The Southern Regional High School Student Council Car Wash Fundraiser is happening now through 2:00 PM in front of the 9/10 Building. For just $10, you can get your vehicle washed while supporting a great cause.

Chief Essig stopped by to get his vehicle washed and support the students’ fundraising efforts. If your car needs a wash, this is the place to be. Stop by, support our local students, and help make their fundraiser a success!

05/28/2026

If you’re looking for something nice to do for your staff that’s not the same old thing, we highly recommend Ice Cream Emergency. Such a great experience and everyone absolutely loved it!! 🍦

05/27/2026

The members and officers of Stafford Township EMS extend our deepest gratitude and heartfelt congratulations to Chief Haldenwang and Patrolman Pascale for their many years of committed excellence, leadership, and the outstanding working relationship they have fostered with our agency.

The strong partnership between the Stafford Township Police Department and Stafford Township EMS is a true testament to the compassion, professionalism, and unwavering dedication shared by every member serving this community. Together, we remain committed to providing the highest level of service and care to the residents and visitors of Stafford Township.

We would also like to congratulate the many officers receiving well-deserved promotions, as well as the newly hired officers beginning their careers in public service. We look forward to continuing our strong and collaborative relationship, with service to the community always at the forefront of our mission.

Last night, during the Stafford Township Council Meeting, several significant milestones took place within the Stafford Township Police Department as members were recognized for their years of dedicated service, promotions, and new appointments.

Chief James Haldenwang and Traffic Safety Officer Justin Pascale were both honored ahead of their official retirement date of June 1st. Chief Haldenwang’s leadership, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to this department and community have left a lasting impact on generations of officers and residents alike. Traffic Safety Officer Pascale’s dedication and hard work helped keep our roadways safer for residents and visitors every day. While we are saddened to see them both retire, we sincerely thank them for their years of service and wish them nothing but health, happiness, and success in this next chapter.

Several members of the department were also promoted during the meeting:

• SMPO Ed Kunder was promoted to the rank of Sergeant
• SMPO Michael Wade was promoted to the rank of Sergeant
• Sergeant Jason Costello was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant
• Lieutenant John Morrin was promoted to the rank of Captain
• Captain Russell Griffin will officially be promoted to Chief of Police on June 1st

In addition, Special Officers Nicholas Sura and John Hart were officially hired as full-time Patrol Officers with the department.

The department would also like to thank the Mayor, Township Council, and Township Administrator for their continued support of the Stafford Township Police Department and the men and women who serve this community each and every day.

Please join us in congratulating all of last night’s retirees, promotees, and new officers as they begin their next chapter serving the Stafford Township community.

05/25/2026

Stafford Township First Aid Squad 1951-2026

Stafford Township EMS and the 75th Anniversary Committee would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of our business sponsors, surrounding agency’s, Township Council, supporters, volunteers, and community members who came out on Saturday to help us celebrate 75 years of volunteer service.

A little rain certainly did not stop us.

Yesterday was a wonderful reminder of how fortunate we are to serve such a caring and supportive community. Your generosity, encouragement, and presence helped make this celebration truly special.

For 75 years, Stafford Township EMS has proudly served the residents and visitors of our community, and we are honored to continue that tradition for generations to come.

We are grateful to serve and be supported by this community. 🤍🇺🇸

This event would not have been possible without the incredible support of our business sponsors. Thank you for believing in our mission, honoring our history, and helping us celebrate this milestone anniversary. Please help us thank all of them that are listed below.

From all of us at Stafford Township EMS and the Anniversary Committee, thank you for coming out and helping us celebrate 75 years of dedication, service, and community. We hope everyone had a good time.

Party Crashers Inflatables
Applebee's Grill + Bar
Typestries Sign & Digital
The Causeway Family of Dealerships
Charles Westcott Entertainment
Barlow Buick GMC of Manahawkin
The Residence at Stafford - Manahawkin, NJ
The Learning Experience
The Evermore Manor
Pietro's Italian Restaurant And Pizzeria
VLW Landscaping
Sparkling Clean Pool Service
Simply Hair and Nails Manahawkin

05/25/2026

As we commemorate Memorial Day, the members of Stafford EMS would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice, safeguarding our freedom and way of life. We salute their courage and honor their legacy by continuing to serve our community with compassion and dedication. The privilege of serving our community in this role is possible because of the courage, selflessness, and sacrifice of the men and women who gave their lives so that we may live free. Thank you to all who have served.

05/21/2026

Docs Detail is on site at our Ocean Acres building preparing our vehicles for the parade this Saturday to celebrate the Stafford EMS 75th Anniversary! Make sure you come down to East Bay Avenue by 12pm Saturday to see his work shine!

05/21/2026

🚑🇺🇸 HELP US LINE BAY AVENUE! 🇺🇸🚑
Stafford Township EMS is proudly celebrating 75 years of dedicated service, and we would love for our community to come out and help us celebrate by lining Bay Avenue for our anniversary parade!
Bring your family, friends, flags, and community spirit as emergency vehicles and first responders parade through town honoring 75 years of service, commitment, and tradition.
📍 East Bay Avenue
🕙 Line-Up Begins: 10:00 AM
🚨 Parade Starts: 12:00 PM
Your support means so much to all of us who proudly serve this community. Let’s make Bay Avenue filled with smiling faces as we celebrate this incredible milestone together! ❤️🤍💙

Join us for some food, fun, and entertainment after the parade.
Rain or Shine May 23, 2026