TOMS RIVER, N.J. – A public confrontation unfolded at Toms River Town Hall as Mayor Daniel Rodrick accused the township council majority of attempting to halt a lawsuit alleging that Silverton EMS took approximately $750,000 in municipal fuel without paying for it. The dispute centers on an ordinance introduced by Councilman Thomas Nivison and backed by Council President David Ciccozzi that would terminate the township’s legal effort to recover the funds.
Toms River councilman Tom Nivison and Council President David Ciccozzi tried to defund the township’s lawsuit against Silverton EMS, which is accused of stealing $750,000 from the township, filed by the previous council.
The ordinance, which directly challenges an active lawsuit pursued by the Rodrick administration, has triggered a high-stakes clash over fiscal oversight, legal authority, and public accountability. With significant taxpayer-funded resources at issue, the confrontation reflects broader tensions within Toms River’s government and raises questions about how aggressively municipalities should pursue alleged misuse of public assets.
Lawsuit alleges large-scale fuel misuse
At the center of the dispute is a township lawsuit claiming that Silverton EMS improperly accessed municipal fuel supplies over an extended period without paying, resulting in an estimated $750,000 loss. The fuel, according to the legal complaint, was drawn from township-controlled pumps intended for authorized municipal use.
Mayor Rodrick forcefully defended the lawsuit during the council meeting, arguing that abandoning the case would mean forfeiting the township’s ability to recover substantial public funds.
“They stole $750,000, you don’t want that money back?” Rodrick said.
Rodrick framed the issue as a matter of accountability, emphasizing that taxpayer-funded resources must be protected and that alleged misuse should be pursued through legal channels.
“Every meeting you put something on by surprise, and then you say you’re for transparency—but you’re putting things on for people who stole money,” Mayor Rodrick said to Ciccozzi. “You have no authority, and we will continue to try to get back the township $750,000. No matter what you vote, I will continue to pursue Silverton First Aid to recover the $750,000 they took from this town. They should have been prosecuted. You can go ahead and defend your Kevin Gagan buddy all you want and try to do whatever you want.”
Council majority seeks to terminate case
The ordinance to end the lawsuit, introduced by Councilman Thomas Nivison and supported by Council President David Ciccozzi, represents a direct challenge to the administration’s legal strategy. Supporters of the measure argue that continuing the litigation may expose the township to unnecessary legal costs or uncertain outcomes.
Several other council members took offense to the framing of the ordinance as “by the council” saying the entire council was not represented or advised of the ordinance, including former Council President Craig Coleman who objected.
However, the proposal drew sharp criticism from Rodrick, who accused the council majority of undermining the township’s efforts to recover public funds. He directed particular frustration at Ciccozzi, portraying the council’s position as a departure from fiscal responsibility.
After Councilwoman Lynne O’Toole objected, Nivison, a man with a past for verbal abuse against women, according to police reports, began screaming at O’Toole in another trademark unhinged rant that Nivison has displayed at many meetings in the past.
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Key Points
• Lawsuit alleges Silverton EMS took $750,000 in township fuel without paying
• Mayor Daniel Rodrick opposes ordinance to end the case
• Council President David Ciccozzi and allies support terminating litigation
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Political divide intensifies inside town hall
The exchange between the mayor and council members quickly escalated, reflecting deeper divisions within Toms River’s governing body. The disagreement extends beyond a single lawsuit, touching on broader issues of governance, authority, and oversight under the township’s mayor-council system.
Rodrick suggested that ending the lawsuit would set a concerning precedent for how the township handles alleged misuse of public assets, particularly when large sums are involved.
He noted that Kevin Geoghegan, the man behind the Silverton EMS accusations, is a political ally of the council majority led by Ciccozzi.
“I’m going to let you hang yourself—go ahead. While the people in the back who are friends with Kevin Geohegan clap, go ahead. We are talking about people who are supposed to care about this town and who stole money from it. They stole money. Have you read the lawsuit? Have you actually read it?” The mayor asked Nivison.
Rodrick said he is thankful that the council will soon be taking basic classes on how the municipal government works, because they are unaware of the legal process under the Faulkner Act and public contract law.
He continued to accuse Nivison and Ciccozzi of trying to lend their political ally, Geoghegan a lifeline by forcing the end of the township’s litigation against Silverton EMS.
“I will continue to pursue Silverton First Aid to get back our $750,000 that they took from this town. They should have been prosecuted. You can go ahead and defend your Kevin Gagan buddy all you want and try to do whatever you want, but we will pursue him for the money that he owes this town,” Rodrick said.
Broader implications for accountability and enforcement – AI Summary
The case highlights a growing challenge for municipalities across New Jersey: ensuring oversight of public resources used by independent or semi-independent service providers. Disputes involving emergency service organizations and municipal assets can raise complex legal and ethical questions, particularly when financial accountability is in question.
In this instance, the scale of the alleged fuel misuse has amplified public scrutiny. The outcome of the lawsuit—and whether it proceeds—could influence how similar cases are handled in the future, both in Toms River and in other municipalities facing comparable issues.
Next steps remain uncertain
After a heated argument, Council President Dave Ciccozzi voted to table the ordinance. It was voted 4-3 in favor of being tabled with Nivison, Bianchini, and Bradley.
Nivison then said a horrible comment to O’Toole, “We’ll see who responds to your next heart attack, Lynn.”
Rodrick said despite the council’s failed attempt to terminate the lawsuit, he will continue to force the township’s day in court to recover the stolen funds.
“I will continue to pursue Silverton First Aid to get back our $750,000 that they took from this town. They should have been prosecuted. You can go ahead and defend your Kevin Gagan buddy all you want and try to do whatever you want, but we will pursue him for the money that he owes this town,” Rodrick said.
As of now, the lawsuit remains active, and the ordinance to terminate it has not been finalized. Additional council action is expected, and the issue may ultimately require further legal review depending on how the governing body proceeds.
The situation remains fluid, with both the Rodrick administration and the Ciccozzi-led council majority expected to continue advancing competing positions in upcoming meetings. The final decision will determine whether Toms River continues its effort to recover the alleged $750,000 loss or moves to end the litigation entirely.