On that day around noon Arbor Hose Company received a call to go to the Black Bridge for a drowning. This Lehigh Railroad Bridge is over New Market Pond between Washington Ave. and New Brunswick Ave. A brother (6) and sister (7) were at the center of this bridge when a train was heard coming. As they realized they could not get off in time, they jumped into the water and drowned. After much diving
in the muddy water the bodies were recovered and with limited knowledge of First Aid as per Boy Scout Days, artificial respiration was given to no avail. That night at the Fire House, they made a pledge to themselves that they would have a Rescue Squad with complete knowledge of First Aid and Rescue, including the equipment to do so with. Remember this was the time of the great depression, money was very scarce and there were no such things as First Aid Rescue Squads. Even so, that night five members formed Arbor Rescue Squad and pledged to the community they would respond to all emergency calls and provide ambulance service; render emergency aid to the sick, injured or disabled. This promise was kept for 90 years.
