South Branch Emergency Services, Inc (Clinton First Aid & Rescue Squad)

Clinton First Aid & Rescue Squad asks for your help and support. This week, one of our top volunteers ended up in the Burn Center at Lehigh Valley at Cedar Crest due to a freak off-duty accident involving a lithum battery. The incident landed Connor in the Burn Unit with severe burns to one leg, and had to undergo skin graft surgery as part of the process.

Connor is a volunteer with our agency, and has been for several years. EMS is also his livelyhood, where he works part time with two local departments. Due to this incident, he is now out of work with no source of income for several months, as the healing process begins.
(Photo: Connor Beaton with team from CFARS, participating in the Cancer Fund Raiser Stair Climb at 4 World Trade Center, 2014)

We now ask you support our volunteer as he begins his fight back to active service. It will be a long road ahead with many medical expenses. The CFARS family wish to extend best wishes to him, and hope this fund will help offset the expenses he is sure to incur.

All donations made will be made to the Clinton First Aid & Rescue Squad, Inc, a 501(c)3 organization, for the sole purpose of benefiting Connor's medical expenses. While not anticipated, any unnecessary funds will then be donated to a Burn Center Foundation of Connor's choice.
(Photo: Connor with Chief Setnicky & Deputy Chief Buchanan, prior to his surgery this week.)

It is with deep regret and sadness that the Clinton First Aid & Rescue Squad's family announce the untimely passing of one their own. Detective Matthew McGinley of the Hunterdon County Prosecutor's Office passed away at his home of natural causes on Wednesday, January 29th, 2016. He was 49 years old.

Detective McGinley faithfully served the HCPO for the last eight years. Prior to that, he served as a Patrolman with the Holland Township Police Department from 2003 to 2008 and as a Class II Special with the Clinton Township Police Department. He also served our community as a life member of the Clinton First Aid and Rescue Squad.  

Detective McGinley was responsible for investigating serious and fatal vehicle crashes for the Prosecutor’s Office. In this capacity, he headed up the team that provided answers to families who had loved ones seriously injured or killed in serious motor vehicle crashes. He was also a Crime Scene Investigator and a member of the HCPO Arson Task Force. In addition to those duties, he also was a member of the Child Seat Safety Inspection Team and one of his last duties prior to his death was working that detail Tuesday evening.

Detective McGinley was a 1984 graduate of North Hunterdon High School and attended the

Somerset County Police Academy. Prior to becoming a police officer, Detective McGinley worked for the Flemington Car & Truck Family of Dealerships as a service technician.

Detective McGinley is survived by his three year old son Ian, his pride and joy. He is also survived by his mother Ruth and brother Tom of South Carolina, and a brother Mark in Virginia.

Prosecutor Kearns said, “Detective McGinley was a vital member of the Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office and he will be greatly missed. Our sincere condolences go out to his family and friends.”

A GoFundMe has been established to assist with offsetting funeral and family expenses associated with the Funeral. Donations are being accepted by the Clinton First Aid & Rescue Squad where Matt was a life member, and will be used solely for Matt's benefit.  Any remaining funds will go to the family to handle Det. McGinley's estate in addition to setting up a trust for his son Ian.