HOWELL – Residents, colleagues and fellow first responders throughout the Township are mourning the loss of John Menschner Sr., the founder of the Howell Township First Aid & Rescue Squad #1 (HTFARS) who passed away at 95 years old.
“It is with heartfelt sadness and deep regret, that we, the members of the Howell Township First Aid & Rescue Squad #1 mourn the loss of our Patriarch and Founder, John Menschner Sr.,” HTFARS President John Zicha said in a statement.
In 1955, Menschner moved into Howell Township and heard that the town did not have its own first aid squad. Menschner later thought “maybe I can start one,” since he previously was a member of the East Keansburg First Aid for five years.
Menschner decided to join the Southard Fire Department No.1. to meet new people and find potential members for a squad.
With help from the township who provided $1,000 to start up, Menschner alongside nine Charter Members founded the Howell Township First Aid & Rescue Squad #1 in February of 1957.
“If it wasn’t for him, the squad and all of its members would not be here today, 65 years later. Countless lives have been forever changed because of this man, because of his leadership and sincere dedication to the township of Howell. Without John, lives would not have been saved. Families were reunited and people were given second chances. John was a prime example of what traits make a leader and a hero,” Zicha said.
In 2020, the squad created a video of the history of the organization. The video included an interview with Menschner where he discussed every detail of the squad’s history.
“If it wasn’t for John, the men and women of HTFARS#1 wouldn’t be where we are today. We wouldn’t have the careers we are in today. In one way, shape or form, the squad is a huge part of all the members’ lives and is considered to be a family. We owe all of that to John,” Zicha said. “John was a man of pride and honor. John wouldn’t want us to mourn his death, but celebrate his life. He would want us to rejoice in the times we had with him and laugh while we tell the stories from throughout the years and at the drop of those tones, we will be back on the trucks. We will continue to provide prompt and professional care to whomever we encounter, because that is how we will honor him.
“John, we aren’t sure how we are going to do this without you. The squad is certainly a lesser place without you. May you forever rest in eternal peace. Our continued prayers and condolences are with the family and friends of this truly amazing human being,” Zicha added.
