In May of 1951, a group of 22 members of Walter Nightengale Post #57 of the American Legion in Waldwick formed the Waldwick American Legion Volunteer Ambulance Corps. Their motto was “Mercy on Wheels”.

The first fund drive was started by local artist, Jim Kern, who raffled off a painting and collected $2000. Then the door-to-door drive collected another $650.

In October 1952 the Corps purchased the first ambulance, a 1951 Ford, equipped with an oxygen unit, resuscitator, splints, a backboard, bandages, first aid kit, firefighter air tank, crutches, extra blankets, and a cot to transport patients to the hospital.

In 1953, the Corps leased land adjacent to the Legion Post and built its own headquarters. The building was completed with a total cash outlay of $1000.

Women began joining WALVAC in May 1955.

The Corps received no monetary support from the Post or from the Borough, depending solely on the generosity of the residents to provide ambulances, first aid supplies, equipment, and training.

Every member was certified in Red Cross first aid some members had advanced first aid certification. Members Pete Dreyer and Joe McGoldrick were certified Red Cross instructors. In the early days you had to be a member of the Legion or its Auxiliary to be a member of the Corps.

in the early 60’s, when membership began to wane,  all interested residents were permitted to join. Henry Forlano was the first non-Legionnaire to join WALVAC. Clyde Tillison was the first Captain and Sheldon McWilliams was the first President.

In the early 70’s CPR was added to the training, then the 5 point system started which included Advanced First Aid, Childbirth, CPR, Extraction, and Defensive Driving.