Hardyston hires EMS consultant firm

HARDYSTON — The Hardyston Township Council hired Robb S. Rehberg to help revive the township's First Aid Squad on Wednesday, Jan. 28.

Rehberg of the Rehberg Konin Group, has an extensive background specializing in Emergency Services. He served as chief of emergency services at Montclair State University Police Dept., National Safety Council in Itasca, Ill.; U.S. Department of Homeland Security/Federal Emergency Management Agency, and a broad spectrum of training and certifications pertaining to emergency response events. The team consists of two EMT-paramedics who have extensive experience with administrative and leadership experience. The two EMT-Paramedics are skilled in working with paid and volunteer agencies. The team includes an active chief of police who specializes in overseeing a community's medical Emergency Response Dept.

Rehberg presented a bid proposal to Township Manager Marianne Smith, which consists of two phases.

The first phase will include research, analysis, and a written report. The firm will review present conditions and possibilities for providing an EMS Squad for Hardyston Township. The Rehberg Konin Group will base its report on consultations and meetings with former volunteers, township officials, possible vendors, local volunteer squad supervisors, and other needed affiliates.

Phase One also states that an analysis and investigative research be completed within 60 days of the contract's beginning. The written report needs to be delivered within 90 days.

The firm will send status reports to Smith every 30 days by email or telephone. The first phase of the project is expected to cost $15,000.

The goal of Phase Two is to put a plan of action into effect. Phase Two is independent of Phase One and can move forward without township council approval.

The firm can provide direction, supervision and support in executing a plan of action that needs to be approved by the council. Phase Two services will be performed at $150 per hour.