TOMS RIVER, NJ – A Toms River paid EMS squad is again in the spotlight over lingering financial irregularities discussed in public and private for more than five years across three administrations. Now, the controversy has heightened after allegations of financial misconduct have been brought to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office by township officials.
The Township of Toms River has officially halted its relationship with Silverton EMS amid a criminal investigation over allegations lodged by the Township with the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office.
According to Mayor Dan Rodrick, the action was necessary and will not impact the quality of EMS service in the township.
“We’ve been advised by legal counsel that financial irregularities associated with Silverton EMS are potentially criminal, and the matter has been referred to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office. Given what we have learned, I had no choice but to take swift action and halt dispatching Silverton,” the mayor said today. “Since taking office, we have hired 18 more EMTs and more than doubled the amount of ambulances on the road. Police Chief Mitch Little and EMS Supervisor Kevin Monaghan have assured me the recent increase in staff and ambulances I have implemented will prevent any interruption in Emergency Medical Services. We will update the community as the investigation unfolds.”
The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office would not elaborate, citing their policy of not confirming or denying criminal investigations.
Silverton First Aid Squad has not been one of the township’s volunteer first aid squads in over a decade since the company transformed into a paid EMS business.
Silverton EMS pays their employees and charges their patient’s health insurance policies.
Silverton is a non-governmental 501c3 corporate business entity run by former Toms River Council President Kevin Geoghegan. In 2019, the township contracted Silverton to handle a portion of the town’s EMS calls. Geoghegan served on the Council while Silverton rendered the services.
In 2018, former Toms River Mayor Thomas Kelaher, a retired Ocean County Prosecutor, tried to cut ties with Silverton EMS, after they took themselves private.
Kelaher had issued a similar order at the time, ceasing the dispatch of Silverton EMS over a financial dispute regarding state bidding laws, billing of insurance, and gasoline usage.
Mayor Maurice Hill, who took office the next year restored Silverton EMS to operate in the community without a contract or council vote.
The disputed contract matter between the township and Silverton EMS was never discussed during Hill’s tenure as mayor.
Geoghegan, a retired Toms River police officer and former councilman, maintains his innocence in this matter. In July, Toms River Police Chief Mitch Little sent notice to township dispatchers ordering them to cease dispatching of Silverton EMS.
