By Veronica Slaght
The Eastern Express Times
LEBANON TWP., Pa. — More than 150 township residents gathered at a town meeting this week to find out why the township’s emergency medical services have been transferred from the rescue squad to the fire department. Most went home disappointed.
The crowd — which was standing room only Monday night in the Woodglen School’s auditorium — asked elected officials why they had rescinded the Lebanon Township First Aid Squad’s responsibilities, taking away their ambulances and other equipment and instructing the county 911 center to halt calls to the agency.
But Mayor Jay Weeks and three other committee members refused to speak about the issue on their attorney’s advice because the squad has filed a lawsuit. Superior Court Judge Peter Buchsbaum is scheduled to hear the case 10 a.m. May 21 at the Hunterdon County Justice Center in Flemington.
In a statement read by the township attorney, Weeks and the two other committee members named in the suit said they had good reason for eliminating the squad, citing issues with management, accountability and quality of service.
“They use the township’s name, land and financial contributions but refuse to submit to an audit,” the statement said.
While supporters of the firefighters and squad members lined up on opposite sides of the room, everyone applauded when David Shoaf criticized the committee for shutting down the squad without seeking public input.
There’s a difference between what’s legal and what’s right, Shoaf, a farmer, said, adding: “I suggest you shop around and find another law firm who can guide you as to what is right.”
Deputy Fire Chief Ed Shaffer, an emergency medical technician, urged EMTs in the squad to consider joining the fire department. The fire department has eight EMTs, while the squad has 28. He said the dispute is just between the committee and the squad.
Charlotte Fels, 91, said the ambulance squad has taken her to the hospital on several occasions but recently a squad from Berkley Heights responded.
“They got me there. That’s all I can say,” she said.
Of the Lebanon Township squad, she said: “They’re dedicated; they know what they’re doing; they’re a team.” Shutting down the squad is “sacrilege,” she said. “I plead with you, before it’s too late, don’t let a very good thing that this town has go away.”
Committeeman Frank Morrison made a motion to reinstate the squad, which was defeated 3-2.
Under current state law, municipalities are not required to provide emergency medical services, but most towns have rescue squads, said Barbara Harras, president of the New Jersey State First Aid Council. She added that the state’s first squad formed in Monmouth County in 1929.
Copyright 2010 Eastern Express Times