The Silverton EMS organization in Toms River is reeling after receiving a shocking letter from Toms River’s Chief of Police, Mitchell Little, informing them that he was instructed by Mayor Dan Rodrick to tell them their services will no longer be dispatched for 911 calls.
The letter, posted on Silverton EMS’s Facebook page, failed to provide a reason for the abrupt cancellation.
The squad, which has served the community for 60 years, expressed outrage and disappointment, calling the decision “vindictive and spiteful” towards their EMTs and the community. In a Facebook post, Silverton EMS urged concerned citizens to contact the mayor and Toms River officials to voice their opposition to the cuts.
Mayor Rodrick says that he shut the Silverton EMS because “We’ve been advised by legal counsel that financial irregularities associated with Silverton EMS are potentially criminal, and the matter is being referred to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office. Given what we have learned, I had no choice but to take swift action.
“We have hired 17 more EMTs and put several additional ambulances on the road. Police Chief Mitch Little and EMS Supervisor Kevin Monaghan have assured me the recent increase in staff and ambulances will prevent any interruption in Emergency Medical Services. We will update the community as the investigation unfolds.”
So is this a case of Guilty until proven innocent or is this a Cover your behind move!!! I hope nothing bad happens to anyone whist waiting for am ambulance.