Volvo dealership owner has contributed to many community programs
By: Jake Uitti
MONTGOMERY The Township Committee honored resident David J. Long Jr. for his "outstanding achievements" Thursday, noting that Mr. Long, who with his two brothers owns and founded Princeton Volvo, now located on Route 1 in Lawrence, has greatly helped to improve the lives of the people in his community.
"He has been a longtime resident and he is extremely respected," Committeeman John Warms said of Mr. Long. "He has done a lot for charity for the community, and I have tremendous respect for him."
This year, Mr. Long was also one of four finalists of the 37th annual "Time Magazine Quality Dealer Award" for his charitable work as an automotive dealer. He was the first-ever finalist from New Jersey, Mr. Long said.
"Civic dedication is a measure of character and achievement and therefore is central to every strong community," a township resolution honoring Mr. Long stated. It is for this overarching reason that Mr. Long, who has lived in Montgomery since 1976, was recognized.
Over the past few years, Mr. Long has worked with the Central New Jersey chapter of the American Red Cross to develop the School Safety Initiative, a program that brings lifesaving training, such as the proper use of a defibrillator, CPR and first aid, to inner-city youths through their schools. Mr. Long also secured funding for the program from the New Jersey Coalition of Automotive Retailers.
About three years ago, Mr. Long found out that little to no first-aid training was being administered in Trenton, New Brunswick, Camden and Newark, something he said was "unacceptable."
Ever since, he has been involved with spreading this life-saving information to children, teachers and nurses, as well as raising funds for its promulgation.
Since the program’s inception, it has taught the skills necessary to respond to emergencies to more than 7,000 young people in Trenton and another 7,000 in New Brunswick, and plans are under way to take the program statewide.
Since initiating the training, he said, he has heard that at least two lives have been saved because of the education programs.
This year, Mr. Long has donated a convertible to the Red Cross, which is using it to raise money in a raffle.
Mr. Long said he supports a wide variety of Red Cross programs and services. In 2005, he and his family were honored for their work with the first Bob Clancy Culture of Caring Award for extraordinary service through the American Red Cross of Central New Jersey.
Mr. Long is even teaming up with the National Football League’s Players Association.
Two years ago, he helped arrange for Troy Vincent, former cornerback for the Philadelphia Eagles, to come and speak to over 800 Trenton Central High School students about first-aid safety.
"Now that the program is under way, we need more funding to keep it going," Mr. Long said.
Township officials also noted that Mr. Long’s generosity is evident in his donations of vehicles last year to the University Medical Center at Princeton, where he is a trustee; the Princeton HealthCare System Foundation; the Institute for Children with Cancer and Blood Disorders; and the Red Cross for raffles and fundraising activities. Almost $350,000 was raised through those donations, Mr. Long said.
For his "outstanding corporate citizenship," Ford Motor Co. has also honored Mr. Long, along with nine others, with its sixth-annual "Salute to Dealers" award given to Ford dealer principals who improve the lives of those in need in their communities while providing outstanding products and services. Volvo is an automotive brand of the Ford Motor Co.
For more information on how to buy raffle tickets or to donate to the Red Cross, visit njredcross.org or call (609) 951-8550.

