Mayor Shuts Down Rescue Squad

THE MAYOR OF WOODBRIDGE, NEW JERSEY, John E. McCormac signed an executive order Monday suspending the Avenel-Colonia First Aid Squad’s activities.  Saying that the organization has “evident systemic deficiencies” that create an ongoing “threat to the public health, safety and welfare of the community,” he expects the municipal council will pass an ordinance making the suspension permanent.

The volunteer rescue squad is facing allegations that members – including two top officers – took an ambulance on a “joy ride” to Edison, then broke into an old roller skating rink, all while on duty.  Later, they posted pictures of themselves inside the rink on Facebook pages.  Two of the participants are also the only two full-time employees of the squad.

A Woodbridge Police Lieutenant filed criminal tresspass charges against seven members.  Township officials said that this was just the latest of a series of complaints they have received about the squad over the past few years.

The Courier News has the full STORY.

Hat tip:  Joseph S.

Also on FireGeezer…

• Avenal-Colonia on the Rebound? – December 8, 2010