Berkeley Heights Unveils Life-Saving AED Device at Columbia Park

BERKELEY HEIGHTS, NJ – A new Automated External Defibrillator (AED) was officially unveiled at Columbia Park on Tuesday, marking a significant step in enhancing the community’s emergency preparedness. Installed near the tennis and pickleball courts by the restrooms, the AED is designed to assist in the event of sudden cardiac arrest, potentially saving lives.

In attendance were Berkeley Heights Mayor Angie Devanney, Township Council members John Foster, Margaret Illis, Susan Poage, and Manny Couto, along with members of the Berkeley Heights Volunteer Rescue Squad, the Berkeley Heights Recreation Commission, and Jill A. Pall, Founder and President of The Aliver Foundation.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE FREE TAPINTO.NET NEWSLETTER

During the presentation, Mayor Devanney highlighted the significance of the AED, expressing gratitude for the collaborative efforts that made the installation possible. "I want to welcome everyone to the dedication of our AED machine, made possible by The Aliver Foundation and Jill Pall," said Devanney. “This is what makes Berkeley Heights truly remarkable. The Recreation Department, a nonprofit, and our rescue squad have all come together to make our community safer and stronger. It’s partnerships like these that enhance the quality of life in Berkeley Heights.” The AED installation was funded by the Berkeley Heights Recreation Department, underscoring the town's commitment to community safety.

Pall shared The Aliver Foundation's mission of preventing sudden cardiac events through increased awareness and access to AED devices.  She recounted her own survival story after experiencing cardiac arrest at Echo Lake Dog Park. “My friend Aileen did CPR for over 10 minutes, which is incredible. Every minute without an AED decreases the survival rate by 10%. In theory, I shouldn’t be standing here today,” she explained, stressing the urgent need for accessible outdoor AEDs.

She further detailed the careful planning behind the AED’s installation, explaining, “People often ask why there is a keypad. The keypad alerts 911 when help is needed, starting a chain of survival. These enclosures are climate-controlled to ensure the AED functions properly in both winter and summer, so they are always ready when needed.”

Pall also spoke about the broader impact of the foundation's advocacy, revealing that Union County recently received grant funding to purchase 80 AEDs for their parks. “Between one and five AEDs will be installed in each of the 36 parks,” she proudly noted. “With immediate CPR, you can triple the survival rate. It’s that simple—and that important.”

DOWNLOAD THE FREE TAPINTO APP FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS. AVAILABLE IN THE APPLE STORE AND THE GOOGLE PLAY STORE .

Chuck Kleinberg, a member of the Berkeley Heights Volunteer Rescue Squad and instructor, shared a personal story during the dedication. "This quest started on September 18, 2023, when my mother passed away from sudden cardiac arrest at 7:45 a.m.,” Kleinberg recounted. “The Rescue Squad, including Howie [Meyer] and Dave Birnbaum, arrived on scene, but we couldn’t bring her back."

Through his grief, Kleinberg sought ways to make a difference and found The Aliver Foundation. “I felt the universe was talking to me. After connecting with Jill, we discussed bringing AEDs to local parks, inspired by a story from Virginia where an AED saved a life at a pickleball court,” he said. “The Recreation Department drove this entire initiative. I merely facilitated connections and helped choose the box and AED, but everyone else made it happen. By being useless, I became useful, ironically."

Kleinberg expressed pride in contributing to a community his family has called home for four generations. He viewed the AED installation as a testament to collective efforts that would make a lasting impact.

Carolyn George, Associate Recreation Director, echoed this sentiment after hearing Pall's testimonial, saying, "I was like, Dear God, the Lord kept you alive for a reason—to do things right. Honestly, the woman should be dead."

The Berkeley Heights Volunteer Rescue Squad conducted a brief demonstration on how the AED functions and explained its importance in cardiac emergencies. "Every minute counts during a cardiac arrest," a squad member stated. "Having an AED on hand significantly increases the chances of survival, especially in a park like this where people come to stay active."

Mayor Devanney urged attendees to spread awareness about the AED’s location and its use, reinforcing the theme of proactive safety measures.

As the event concluded, Pall reflected on the journey that led to this moment, "I’m just grateful that we were able to make this happen. If this AED saves even one life, it will all have been worth it."

For more local news, visit TAPinto.net