Vernon EMS: Volunteer Ambulance Service in Vernon Township, NJ

Vernon Emergency Medical Services (VEMS) is the volunteer-driven nonprofit ambulance service for Vernon Township in Sussex County, NJ. Our team put together this guide to who they are, where their stations sit and how residents can join the crew.

A Merger of Two Long-Standing Squads

VEMS was established in 2023 through the merger of the Vernon Township Ambulance Squad and the Glenwood Pochuck Volunteer Ambulance Corps. Both squads have deep roots. The Vernon Township Ambulance Squad was founded in 1963 by seven local volunteers, and its first building went up on land in Highland Lakes donated by John Seckler. The Glenwood Pochuck squad followed in 1980, started by a group of 18 neighbors who wanted to bring life-saving care closer to home.

Today VEMS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that describes itself as Sussex County’s largest volunteer EMS agency. According to the organization, it runs 3 stations, keeps 20 vehicles in its fleet, counts 89 members and responds to an average of about 1,000 calls a year.

Vernon EMS Stations

• Station 1, Highland Lakes: 164 Breakneck Rd., Highland Lakes, NJ 07422
• Station 2, Vernon: 3 Baldwin Drive, Vernon, NJ 07462
• Station 3, Sussex: 1 Drew Mountain Road, Sussex, NJ 07461

Mail goes to PO Box 911, Vernon, NJ 07462.

A Big Part of Community Life

VEMS takes part in more than 45 community activities each year. You will spot their crews at the Turkey Trot, Jr. Police Athletic League events, the Trunk or Trail and the Christmas Tree Lighting. The organization says it does this to thank its supporters and stay an active part of the town it serves. If you are planning a holiday outing, our roundup of tree lightings in Sussex County is a good place to start, and visitors heading to the Appalachian Trail boardwalk in Vernon are in VEMS territory.

The squad also hosts fundraisers and drives through the year, including blood drives and an Easter egg hunt, and it offers hall rentals and event stand-by requests through its website.

Membership Levels

VEMS welcomes volunteers at several stages of life:

• Jr. Cadet (ages 14 to 15): Joins meetings, trainings, special events and community projects and learns basic first aid and CPR for the Professional Rescuer. Jr. Cadets do not respond to calls.
• Cadet (ages 16 to 17): Attends meetings and trainings and is scheduled for a weekly ride shift, following child labor laws. Cadets are encouraged to enroll in the NJ EMT Class.
• Member (18 and older): Takes a weekly 12-hour shift under the squad’s by-laws and Standard Operating Guidelines, with encouragement to complete the NJ EMT Class.
• Associate Member: Supports the organization without riding in an ambulance, helping with fundraisers, special events and community efforts such as food pantries.

How to Join or Volunteer with Vernon EMS

Volunteer ambulance service only works when neighbors step up. Whether you want to explore a career in EMS, give back, or help behind the scenes, VEMS has a role for you. Visit the Vernon EMS join page to get started, call 908.998.0911 or email info@vernonems.com. Our team is proud to feature VEMS and the volunteers who serve Vernon Township.