The Old Tappan First Aid Corps was established back in 1939 by Joseph Mazzo.

~1929 Studebaker/Henney Model Hearse purchased in 1939.

Joe Mazzo, along with two other men formed the Old Tappan First Aid Corps in 1939. Although records are spotty/conflicting, it is believed the first ambulance purchased was a 1929 Studebaker/Henney Model Hearse from the Westwood Volunteer Ambulance Corps. It was kept in a garage on Clark Ave and was stored there until the Old Tappan Fire House was completed some years later. 

Memorial Day ceremony/building dedication on May 30th, 1961. Building finished construction in 1959.

Joseph Mazzo loaned the Old Tappan First Aid Corps the needed funding to build the Old Tappan First Aid Corps building some time thereafter, and when it had been completed the Hearse finally found its rightful parking place. 

Malcom Davies (left), Dr. DeSimone (center), and Joe Mazzo (right) photographed practicing CPR circa ~1960s

To get others in Old Tappan and the surrounding area involved in first aid, Joseph Mazzo, along with Pat Lanza (from Closter) and Morris Beaman, became instructors and taught first aid classes to those who were willing to learn and help out.

Equipment used on the ambulance, circa unknown.

The equipment used on the ambulance was limited then. The Corps originally started with a first-aid kit and the stretcher for the ambulance. Eventually, as more training was provided, more advanced equipment was able to be added to the ambulance.