Becker, Potter Honored by Freeholders, Received State First Aid Council Awards

CREST HAVEN – A pair of widely-known, longtime rescue squad personnel were honored by freeholders Nov. 26 after having received awards from the New Jersey State First Aid Council at its state convention in Somerset.
Bernard “Bunny” Becker of Sea Isle Ambulance Corps, and Jay Potter, chief of Upper Township Rescue Squad received the Lifetime Achievement in EM S and Squad Member of the Year awards, respectively, from the state organization.
Becker has been in emergency medical service as a volunteer for 53 years.
“You started before I was born,” joked Vice Director Leonard Desiderio to Becker.
Desiderio read Becker’s lifetime of service: Joined Woodbine Ambulance Corps May 1960 as a Five-point first aider. Became an emergency medical technician in 1970. In that squad he became secretary in 1965 and later became chief, a post he held for 33 years.
From 1974-1979 he also assisted Upper Township Rescue Squad. After moving to Dennis Township in 1979 he started Dennis Township Rescue Squad and served as chief three years, and remained a member for 13 years.
In 1982, joined Sea Isle City Volunteer Ambulance Corps, and is currently an active life member. He also served for 12 years as its president.
In 1992, Becker received a citation from the American Red Cross and City of Sea Isle City for saving a man’s life on the beach by using CPR.
A longtime volunteer with Boy Scouts of America, Becker served the Garden State Council and participated in many scout jamborees as a member of the medical team.
“While providing all the above, he was a great family man, and educator, and was a principal for 35 years,” said Desiderio.
Becker’s list of community services include working demonstrations at National Night Out Against Crime, participating in community parades, playing Santa at children’s Christmas parties and as an elf at the hospital.
“He does all this while being Jewish,” Desiderio added. “He is truly a volunteer we are very proud of,” he added.
Becker showed the board the award he received from the state council after a photo session with them.
Potter began his rescue service in 1982 as a member of Linwood Volunteer Rescue Squad, said Desiderio. Three years later, he attained EMT status. He joined Upper Township Rescue Squad in 1991.
“Through hard work and dedication he was elected to the position of chief,” said Desiderio. “After 22 years, he continues to hold that position.”
Through the years, under his leadership, the squad has participated in numerous community events, including Challenge soccer, fire prevention, Boy Scouts, and lacrosse as well as attending fireworks presentations and being in parades.
During a recent kayak event, he assisted several wheelchair-bound persons being taken to water’s edge. As a result of talking with the director, a relationship with the squad was formed. That resulted in a group of “spinal paddlers” from Bacharach Rehabilitation was formed.
Desiderio noted Potter has guided his squad in providing CPR training for lifeguards and township workers.
“Chief Potter has enabled all to be ready,” said Desiderio, who said Potter was a leader, an educator and a friend.”