Eagle Scout Alex Cooper (center) is pictured at his Board of Review this summer. EAST BRUNSWICK — Alex Cooper, 18, a senior at East Brunswick High School, earned the rank of Eagle Scout this summer after completing a landscaping project at the East Brunswick Rescue Squad building.

A Scout for nine years with Troop 252, Cooper led a project that consisted of building a flagstone patio and retaining wall, planting trees and bushes around the perimeter, and re-seeding the lawn. The 22-by-22-foot area that was landscaped faces Summerhill Road.

"I chose this project because the EMTs and volunteers at the East Brunswick Rescue Squad have devoted countless hours of service to helping and saving the lives of citizens in my town," Cooper said. "I felt it was time to show my appreciation to them. I also wanted to encourage others to volunteer.

"When on call, members are required to stay on the premises of the building. These shifts are usually eight to 14 hours long. This is clearly a stressful job. I felt that these volunteers deserved a relaxing and useful patio and garden on the premises," he said.

Work on the project began in August 2007 and was completed last June.

Cooper received donations from many stores and nurseries in the community. He had assistance from adults and scouts from East Brunswick's Troop 252 and Troop 132, and adults and scouts from Troop 110 in Edison. Some members of the rescue squad and friends and family in the community also assisted.

Cooper's troop leader is Hollie Cerame. His mother is Dr. Marlene Cooper.