Toms River Ends Contract with Silverton EMS Amid Criminal Probe

Toms River Ends Contract with Silverton EMS Amid Criminal Probe
FILE PHOTO: A firetruck and ambulance, said to have been destroyed during the war in Ukraine, are installed in front of the European Parliament, in Brussels

TOMS RIVER, NJ—Toms River officials have terminated their contract with Silverton EMS following allegations of financial misconduct. The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office is investigating these allegations.

Mayor Dan Rodrick stated the decision was necessary and reassured the public that emergency medical services in the township would remain unaffected.

He highlighted that the current EMS infrastructure has been enhanced with additional EMTs and ambulances.

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Silverton EMS, which changed from a volunteer to a paid service more than ten years ago, has faced financial scrutiny for over five years, spanning three different administrative periods. The service operates independently, billing patients through their health insurance.

Toms River Ends Contract with Silverton EMS Amid Criminal Probe

Historical attempts to address issues with Silverton’s operations include a 2018 effort by then-Mayor Thomas Kelaher to cut ties due to concerns with state bidding laws and financial practices. However, his successor, Mayor Maurice Hill, reinstated the service in 2019 without a formal contract.

Kevin Geoghegan, former Toms River Council President and current head of Silverton EMS, has declared his innocence amid the ongoing financial investigation. The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office has declined to comment on the matter.