A Gasoline Emergency

Rising fuel costs do more than empty our wallets!

Running our gas tank down until the 'low fuel' light on the dash turns on has never been a problem for some of us, except in the winter. Then we're concerned that the inevitable water in the fuel will freeze rendering the car unusable when we need it the most.

Today's ever increasing fuel costs have started to hit home for most of us and it's not just at the pump. We see it everyday with rising costs for all goods. Transportation providers tend to pass their fuel increases along to their customers, who in turn pass them along to the consumer - that's us!

But one of the unexpected side effects to the rising costs of fuel has finally been brought to the forefront by a town in New Jersey. Holmdel, population of about 14,00, is similar to many of the communities across the nation. Part of the town commutes to a major city - in this case New York - by train, bus or car five days a week. It hosts the PNC Bank Arts Center, Vietnam Veterans Memorial and a hospital. And the Garden State Parkway runs through the Township. They also host a number of large and small businesses within the confines called Holmdel.

Unlike it's counterparts in large cities, EMS duties are handled by volunteers. (EMS handles first aid and rescue efforts for the Township.)

Many of the volunteers are finding it hard to respond to emergencies - 911 calls - since they need to use their personal vehicles to get to the squad building where they pick up the ambulance or to get to the actual scene of the emergency. Some of the members are on fixed incomes, making the sacrifice of helping others a drain on their limited incomes. Add to that the high cost of diesel for the response vehicles and we have a recipe for disaster.

Their plea for help has attracted the attention of local politicians, yet it may take a national effort to address the issue. Their story has been covered by the Asbury Park Press and picked up by Fox News in New York.

Until a solution is reacted, each of us can do a small part to help. Find the local version of the all volunteer Holmdel First Aid Squad in your town and make a donation. If your town uses paid EMS crews, feel free to send a donation to the Belmar First Aid Squad, PO Box 636, Belmar NJ 07719. (Let them know where you read about this critical issue!)

Even a couple of dollars is a welcome donation to these folks. Heck, it's probably less than a cup of fancy coffee!