The head of the Toms River Jewish Community Council is calling for an investigation into an alleged antisemitic statement captured on a fire department dispatch channel as fire district officials continue to decline public comment.
Questions continue to surround a recording obtained through a public records request that allegedly captured a racist and antisemitic remark being made over a Toms River fire dispatch channel before the speaker was warned the microphone was still transmitting.
More than a year after the incident allegedly occurred, no public findings have been released and fire district officials have not publicly addressed the recording. This month, they have ignored requests for comment on the matter.
“Any report of hateful or threatening language is concerning,” said Booky Kaluszyner, head of the Toms River Jewish Community Council and a first responder. “This matter should be investigated and appropriate action should be based on the findings.”
Recording Obtained Through OPRA Request
According to records obtained through an Open Public Records Act request, the audio was requested from transmissions on the “TR FD RESPONSE” channel between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. on June 17, 2025.
The recording allegedly contains a voice stating “White Power” followed by a comment targeting Jewish people before another individual warns that the microphone remains live.
“Shoot the Jews,” the yet unidentified dispatcher said.
The recording was later provided to Shore News Network by an individual who said it had been obtained through the OPRA process.
The identity of the speaker has not been independently confirmed.
Allegations of Internal Handling
The recording has generated discussion within local emergency services circles and has led to allegations that the matter was handled internally without public disclosure.
An anonymous tip received by Shore News Network alleged the individual heard on the recording was a high-ranking member of the Pleasant Plains Volunteer Fire Department. That claim has not been independently verified.
The same source alleged the matter resulted in limited disciplinary action and was not publicly disclosed. No documentation confirming those claims has been released.
Additional allegations made by the anonymous source regarding relationships among emergency service organizations and internal administrative decisions also remain unverified.
Officials Have Not Responded
Shore News Network previously contacted Toms River Fire District Administrator Tim Carson and Pleasant Plains Fire Department First Lieutenant Kevin B. Britton seeking comment regarding the recording and the allegations surrounding it.
Neither official responded to requests for comment.
Former Fire Commissioner Brian S. Kubiel acknowledged receipt of the original OPRA request and indicated the records request had been fulfilled, but no public explanation regarding the contents of the recording was provided.
As of Tuesday, no official statement has been released identifying the speaker, explaining the circumstances surrounding the transmission, or announcing the results of any investigation.
No Public Findings Released
The lack of public information has fueled ongoing questions about whether the recording was reviewed by department leadership and whether any disciplinary measures were taken.
No agency has publicly announced findings related to the alleged remarks.
Sources within the emergency services community have also alleged tensions between various first responder organizations, including firefighters, EMS personnel, and Orthodox Jewish volunteer EMS members. Those claims have not been independently verified, and fire district officials have not responded to requests for comment regarding those allegations.
The Toms River Fire Department operates independently from Toms River Township government and is not part of the Toms River Police Department or the township’s EMS operations.
For now, Kaluszyner said any allegations involving hateful language should be taken seriously and reviewed through an appropriate investigative process.
Community Leaders Seek Answers
With no public findings released and no official response from fire district leadership, questions remain about who made the alleged remarks, whether the recording was investigated, and whether any corrective action was taken.
The recording continues to draw attention within the local first responder community, while members of the public and community leaders await answers from officials responsible for overseeing the fire district.
At this time, no formal state or county investigation has taken place.
Key Points
• A recording obtained through an OPRA request allegedly captured antisemitic remarks on a Toms River fire dispatch channel.
• Booky Kaluszyner, head of the Toms River Jewish Community Council, said the matter should be investigated and addressed based on the findings.
• The identity of the speaker has not been independently confirmed.
• Toms River fire district officials have not publicly commented on the recording or disclosed the results of any investigation.
• No public findings or disciplinary actions have been announced as of publication.
