Crime & Safety

AtlantiCare Donations Help Galloway Police Reach AED Goal

AtlantiCare donated five AEDs, resulting in a total of 11 for a department that was seeking 10.

On May 23, members of the and Ambulance Squad were recognized for a pair of they recently made, and spoke about the need for new automated external defibrillators (AEDs).

The police department was hoping to raise $12,500 for 10 new AEDs to replace the existing ones in the police vehicles.

At that time, the ambulance squad donated $1,250 to the department for the cost of one AED.

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On Tuesday night, June 26, Police Chief Patrick Moran and Ambulance Squad Chief Chuck Uhl returned to the municipal complex to accept donations from officals and Four Seasons residents. These donations left the police department with 11 AEDs, one more than it needed.

“We were aware the police needed them. We discussed it and we decided to purchase them,” Four Seasons resident Allan Blumenthal said. “It’s good for them and it’s good for us.”

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Blumenthal and Jerry Hauslet, the President of the Four Seasons Board of Trustees, were in attendance to make the presentation Tuesday night. Four Seasons donated $2,500, the cost of two AEDs.

AtlantiCare donated five AEDs to the department, and Deputy Mayor Tony Coppola donated one on behalf of . The McGettigan Family, owners of , donated an AED. Maureen Geary, a member of the McGettigan Family, was saved by Galloway Police using an AED following a heart attack in March.

“You were here a mere 30 days ago with an insurmountable task,” Deputy Mayor Tony Coppola said. “Now you’re here waving the victory flag. This is an example of how the community pulls together in times of need.”

“This comes from the hearts of the community,” Mayor Don Purdy said. “They’re all big givers.”

AEDs restore normal heart rhythms in those who suffer from sudden heart attacks. Audio or visual prompts guide the user through the process.

The Galloway Police Department began its AED program in 1995, making it among the first police departments to use the devices. Every Galloway Police Officer is certified in CPR and use of the AEDs, and the 10 AEDs are rotated among the officers on the force.

All of the AEDs being used by the department reached the end of their recommended service life.  

Five of the AEDs were presented to township, ambulance squad and police department officials by representatives of the Heart Institute at AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center. The Heart Institute funded the AEDs, with the help of AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center’s Heart Heroes. A video showcasing a portion of that presentation is attached to this post.


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