The Holmdel First Aid Squad and the Township of Holmdel would like to correct a report in the Asbury Park Press with the headline “Gas Prices Fuel Some Skipped First Aid Calls”

Michael Nikolis, Squad President, became aware of gasoline discount programs currently offered to emergency responders in New Zealand and Australia, who must use their personal vehicles in responding to calls, and is seeking assistance from New Jersey Legislators to do something similar here. Nikolis would like to encourage our Legislators to reach out to gasoline suppliers and induce them to provide a discount on gas purchased by first responders. He feels this would lessen the financial burden the volunteers are feeling because of the spike in fuel prices.

Nikolis is aware that local governments are financially strapped as it is, and that is why he is turning to our State and Federal Legislators for action and support.

Nikolis and Squad Captain Levent Sasmazel want to stress that no member of the squad is failing to respond to emergency calls or curtailing their response because of gas prices.

The Mayor and Township Committee, as well as the Squad, want to assure our residents and businesses that all emergency services are fully operational on a 24 hour/7 day basis.

Levent Sasmazel - Captain                                                               Mike Nikolis - President