KAFAS History

The Kerhonkson Accord First Aid Squad, which currently serves the Townships of Rochester and parts of Wawarsing as a Basic Life Support system (BLS), originated out of necessity. Originally, Humiston’s Funeral Home used its vehicles to provide emergency medical services for our area. However, to continue this service, Arthur Chipp, the owner, would have to hire more staff to cover the 24 hour, 7 day a week demand, and economically this was impossible. So, to meet the challenge, local organizations such as, the Kerhonkson Lions Club, the Kerhonkson Fire Company, religious organizations and businesses stepped in . Word of this crisis spread quickly, and soon volunteers from all walks of life were taking basic, and later more advanced, first aid courses taught by Irving Marcus, Captain of the Ellenville First Aid Squad. Local businesses donated fuel, gas, money and services. In all, 72 community members were educated in first aid and 60 of these became qualified to ride the “ambulance,” a Chrysler Station Wagon purchased from Humiston’s Funeral Home for one dollar. These 60 dedicated souls became the charter members of our squad.

A short time later, charter member Julius Herschowsky donated a barn to house our ambulance and our squad had roots. In time, land on route 209 was obtained from Philip Davis. Judd Barringer and local contractors donated their time and talents to erect the building on that property that KAFAS now calls home. More recently, there is an addition of a social hall that was dedicated to Esther Yeager, a charter member who has been around since the inception.

Over the years and currently we maintain an average of 50 members. We proudly serve our community as volunteers and welcome more to join us in this quest.

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