It's 3 a.m., and a radio beside the volunteer's bed emits a series of tones. The sound means one thing: someone in Cranford needs medical attention. Without thinking twice, the volunteer is dressed and out the door in seconds, heading to the Centennial Avenue building that houses the ambulances. It's the same building that has served as a base of operations for decades, but on Aug. 28, 2011, the long-standing structure was submersed in 5 feet of flood water.

Hours after Hurricane Irene ripped through Cranford, Joan "Cookie" and Arthur Nathan navigated their way toward the devastated downtown area. Passing the First Aid Squad Building, the township couple was shocked and disheartened upon seeing the condition of the building, which was still underwater.

"It was just so moving," Art said of the damage. He and his wife knew at that moment that they wanted to help the volunteer organization get back on its feet. So, a short time later, they became members of the First Aid Squad.

During the entire storm, the squad's two ambulances remained in service, staffed with emergency medical technicians. Even after being forced to evacuate headquarters, the volunteers braved the flood waters and downed trees and power lines to respond to medical emergencies, including a patient whose home was engulfed by water.

After power was lost, the ambulances were stranded in the center of town with no roads open to get to nearby hospitals. According to Capt. Paul Truche, the volunteers stayed on the scene to help other emergency responders. Nathan added that even though many volunteers' homes were flooded, they still offered their services during the disaster.

The squad took up temporary residence at the Garwood First Aid Squad building, but before long, an office trailer was positioned outside the damaged Cranford building so that volunteers could remain in the township.

That was five months ago and since that time, the "squad house" has undergone massive renovations. The work is nearing completion and the volunteers are gearing up to rededicate the buiding that was almost destroyed by the late summer storm. The re-dedication ceremony will take place at 3 pm. Feb. 26 at the squad building, 6 Centennial Ave. Local and county officials as well as legislators have been invited to attend. Parking will be available at Municipal Lot 8 on South Avenue and Municipal Lot 1, across the street from the Municipal Building on Springfield Avenue.

The flood, Nathan said, destroyed not only parts of the building's interior, but much of the equipment and supplies. In all, the damages amounted to more than $200,000. The squad also lost records, files and historical information such as old pictures of the building and the squad members who have served the community over the years. The Nathans are asking that any resident with pre-flood pictures of the squad building or its members donate copies to the organization. The squad is especially eager to have older pictures. In addition the names and addresses of the squad's lifetime members are needed. This information was also lost in the flood.

According to the Nathans, CFAS is also seeking volunteers to be part of the emergency medical squad. The squad is especially in need of volunteers who will be able to drive the rigs to and from emergency calls. No experience is necessary and training is free. Anyone who would like to be part of the squad can go to the squad's website, www.cranfordfirstaid.org to download an application, or email cranfordfirstaid@cranfordfirstaid.org.

The Cranford First Aid Squad, Nathan said, is a volunteer organization that relies on donations to keep it running. The volunteer squad does not charge for services, and volunteers primarily work from 6:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m., whereas the emergency medical services provided by the Cranford Fire Department are available mainly during the day.

According to Nathan, many local residents and businesses have donated funds to help the squad get back on its feet. Organizations such as the Union Elks donated $1,000, the Rotary Club donated $2,500, the Cranford Jaycees have given the squad $4,000 and PSE&G has provided a $5,000 grant, just to name a few. In addition, local painters, cleaners and other companies have donated their services and helped renovate the building in recent months.

The longtime Cranford resident and his wife have also helped organize an event set for Feb. 16 to help raise even more funds for the first aid squad. Next Thursday, from 5 to 10 p.m., anyone who dines at TGI Friday's, 400 Park Ave. in Linden, 20 percent of your dining bill excluding alcohol, will go directly toward rebuilding the CFAS "squad house."

Nathan said the response from the community in the wake of the tragedy has been extraordinary.

"I'm just so proud to be a resident of Cranford," Nathan said. "The people in this town have been amazing."

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