They often transported patients from local hospitals to out of town hospitals for special treatment.
Below is a patch from
a member.
In the 1940's and 1950's the corps occupied a former fire station building on Hillman and County street with the office upstairs and the ambulances garaged on the ground level. In later years, the building was also used by the Red Cross.
This writer's father, Normand O. Chartier, was a volunteer who had been a medic in the Army, and joined in 1945 immediately after WW2. He is pictured below.
The focus was on service men and their families for ambulance transportation, but they also helped many others..
In 1952, The "Corps" donated a used 1949 Packard ambulance to the American Vets Post 46 of Swansea.
A sign that was painted by Normand Chartier for the organization was seen in the 2nd floor window by passers-by for many years.
Update: 11/17/2011
New Information submitted by Steven E. Arruda - New Bedford EMS Deputy Director.
Alden Ambulance operated well into the 1980’s possibility ‘90’s as many of the volunteers became employees of the City of New Bedford.
I remember a 1970’s International Travelall ambulance that became New Bedford’s “Medic 4” as well as a 1980’s Ford Wheeled Coach Type III (van) that was operated.
As far as the Corp being taken over by the Red Cross, I don’t know of or remember that happening.
I will see what I can find out, there are still members around who may remember.
I have a Badge and hat or collar pin from Alden and will see If I can locate any more photos.
Alden also was called upon in 1976 to assist the City of New Bedford when the private contractor providing ambulance service refused to renew their contract.
They manned the old Police ambulance at Station 5 (now PD station 3) and used their vehicle to respond to emergencies within the City until the City established its own Emergency Medical Services Department.
During the late 1980 and early 1990’s New Bedford had some very old ambulances that had multiple mechanical problems and several times Alden was pressed into use with a Driver to transport City crews to emergencies.
Thank you for maintaining this website and preserving this important piece of New Bedford’s public safety history.
Steven E. Arruda, Deputy Director, City of New Bedford EMS,
181 Hillman St., Bldg. 4, New Bedford, MA 02740
As we are still looking for more history of this organization please email any pertinent facts to roger@rogerchartier.com |
George N. Alden himself had served in the Civil War, and at his death he was the last Civil War veteran from New Bedford.
Above - Normand O. Chartier was a medic in the Army until the end of WW2. 
