Founding and Early Vision (1936)
The origins of Phillipsburg EMS trace back to 1936, when four local residents--Ira Snyder, Alfred Bates, Lewis Silverthorn, and Charles Shappel, Jr.—were driving home from a first aid and rescue demonstration hosted by the Washington Fire Department. Inspired by what they had witnessed, they envisioned a dedicated emergency squad for Phillipsburg. That conversation became the foundation of the agency that serves the community today. Their first instructor, Harvey Mowder of Washington, helped establish the squad’s early training and operational standards. Charles Shappel Jr. would later serve as captain for twenty-seven years, guiding the organization through decades of development and change.
Growth and Development
Although never formally part of the town’s fire or police departments, the squad’s early membership was drawn heavily from both. Each of Phillipsburg’s six fire companies contributed two members, alongside two police officers, forming the squad’s original roster. As the community’s needs expanded, membership first increased to sixteen, then to thirty-five. In its earliest years, the squad operated out of the Lincoln Engine Company firehouse, reflecting the close cooperation among local emergency services.
Growth continued through the 1970s.
Growth continued through the 1970s.
- In 1974, the squad established a Junior membership program for young residents interested in emergency services.
- In 1979, membership increased to fifty positions, with eight new volunteers added by year’s end—including the squad’s first four women members, marking a significant milestone in its history.
A Modern, Professional EMS Agency
Today, Phillipsburg EMS has evolved into a modern emergency medical service built on a blended model of career EMTs and dedicated volunteers. Our career EMTs provide dependable 24/7 coverage, ensuring rapid, consistent response to the community’s high call volume. Volunteer EMTs and support members enhance the organization by adding operational depth, strengthening community ties, and contributing to a resilient staffing model. Together, they form a unified team of state-certified providers committed to professionalism, ongoing education, and high-quality patient care on every call. Now recognized as the busiest 911 EMS agency in Warren County, Phillipsburg EMS continues to expand its capabilities to meet the needs of the region.
Expanding Capabilities: Rescue and Drone Operations
Beyond traditional EMS response, Phillipsburg EMS maintains a dedicated Rescue Division capable of vehicle extrication, rope rescue, and other technical operations. These teams support complex incidents and add specialized capability to the region’s emergency response network. The organization also operates a growing Drone Operations Team that assists police, fire, and emergency management agencies throughout the area. Equipped with multiple drones suited for a variety of missions, the team provides aerial support for search operations, scene surveys, and large-scale incidents. As with EMS and rescue roles, no prior experience is required—training and certification are provided.
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A Legacy That Lives On
What began as a conversation in a car in 1936 has grown into a highly trained, multifaceted emergency service agency serving thousands each year. Guided by its founding values of service, community, and commitment, Phillipsburg EMS continues to evolve while honoring the legacy of the people who built it.
