Edward Cooper, who served the Ambulance Corps. from March 14, 1956 until September 27, 1989 was the spirit of the Corps. He continued serving until shortly before his death on October 31, 1989.
Ed served as president in 1962, 1963, 1975 and 1984. For many years, Ed held the record as holding the office of president more frequently than any other member. Ed also served as vice president in 1964, 1965, 1968 and 1969.
Ed was one of the first CPR instructors in the Corps., beginning as a Red Cross instructor and eventually changing to American Heart. Ed personally recertified all of the members for many years. Some of his clever, but slightly unorthodox methods will long be remembered.
Ed could be counted on to respond to calls day or night, though he was a dedicated “daytime member”, who seemed to always be available when needed. He was the go-to man for any questions any member had and could always be counted on to have a corny joke available, 24-hours a day.
Ed presided over the purchase of a new Cadillac ambulance in 1964 and made arrangements for Corps. members Warren Colyer and Robert Chevrier to have radios installed in their DPW vehicles to enable them to respond to daytime emergencies. He also presided during the plans for the first renovation of Ambulance Corps. Headquarters in 1965.
Ed has a plaque dedicated to him and his mantra in front of the Ambulance Headquarters. It says one of his most repeated lines: “The only “i” in Fair Lawn Ambulance is spelled ‘WE’”.