For Jerald Wirzman, volunteering has always been a way of life. A Hillsborough native, Jerald purchased a home in 2001, where he and his wife raised their four sons. Over the years, he has been deeply involved in the community, dedicating his time and leadership to organizations like the Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Recreation Soccer, and the Hillsborough High School Robotics Team. A member of the Princeton ELKS for over 40 years, Jerald’s commitment to serving others has shaped his life.
Professionally, Jerald serves as the Chief Compliance Officer for SS&C Registered Funds Services, but his passion for volunteering led him to Montgomery EMS (MEMS) in the spring of 2019. His journey with MEMS was sparked by his youngest son, Justin, an Eagle Scout. During the summer of 2017, Justin worked at Ockanickon Boy Scout Camp and shadowed the camp nurse, who was also a New York EMT. Inspired by the experience, Justin persuaded his father to visit the local rescue squad.
“I remember walking into that first meeting at MEMS and hearing about all the incredible work they do for the community,” Jerald said. “It was inspiring, and we both decided to join.”
“When the pandemic hit, many volunteers were stepping away. But I felt the community needed us more than ever, so I decided to ride.”
Jerald’s connection to EMS runs deeper than just his son’s interest. As a child, he was once injured and taken to the hospital by his father, who was a volunteer with the Manville Rescue Squad. That memory left a lasting impression and came full circle when he and Justin began their EMT training together in August 2019. The course was rigorous, totaling 240 hours, and Jerald passed the challenging NREMT exam in March 2020—just as the COVID-19 pandemic began to intensify.
“When the pandemic hit, many volunteers were stepping away,” Jerald recalled. “But I felt the community needed us more than ever, so I decided to ride.”
Since then, Jerald has become an integral part of MEMS, contributing over 500 volunteer hours annually and responding to more than 300 emergency calls. In 2022, he was elected as a trustee and later became the head trustee. Last year, Jerald took on a new challenge: becoming a driver for the squad. After just two weeks of intensive training, he set a record for the fastest completion of the driver certification.
Jerald stays sharp by maintaining his NREMT license and regularly attending training sessions. He also participated in the NJ EMT conferences in 2023 and 2024, furthering his knowledge and skills.
“I love being part of MEMS,” Jerald shared. “It’s not just about giving back; it’s about the camaraderie and the amazing people I’ve met along the way.”
Jerald’s dedication to MEMS reflects his lifelong passion for service and his commitment to his community. He remains deeply grateful to the volunteers who have supported him and continues to inspire others to step up and make a difference.
