Okay, so the EMS is back up and running with everything in order...what now? If the relationship is to be completely severed I think we need to hear the rationale of why it was okay to use the GT EMS Alliance a week ago but it's not okay today going forward.

It's politics Paul. There is no legit reason. The Mayor and the lackey poilce chief will throw up smoke screens as to why it was done, but none of them will be legit. The Mayor and his cronies have business checking out the books of a private company. I expect such shenanigans from the politicians in our town, but am sorely disappointed in our police chief. He should be above this sort of thing. I have lost all respect for him.

Should have read "no business"

Wouldn’t EMS Alliance have a contract with the Twp.? If they have been in violation of their contract for “years” why would we need a “final straw” years later to terminate the agreement? What Township official is responsible for the contract review and compliance? It sounds to me they just want to disassociate themselves from the name Eden.

I am not sure why the township is looking at a contractor's books to begin with. I am not hearing anything about service complaints, if there are any. That should be the main factor. But this sudden need to investigate their books and then to investigate the paperwork on the vehicles rings of something underhanded. Perhaps they are not donating to the current government. Is Nocross waiting in the wings or calling the shots? We need to hear more from Patch and our government.

Seriously surprise inspection? No connection to eden jr? They should have been contracted with gt and if thwy were really that concerned why not check his business out before now?!

Well it just sounds like "Taxpayers get ready to bend over again... Ps, to all clothing manufactures, please stop making pants with deep pockets, thank you...

I would like answers from our township leaders. If we don’t get them, I say we all attend the next town council meeting to get them. I want to know what is the best option for us as the residence of GT for EMS service? I am concerned we went from 5 to 2.5 ambulances and also for the 45 people who lost there job, what about them, is there any plan to help them? I could care less about the Mayer/Earle - Eden shenanigans. At best the reason to totally dismiss the EMS Alliance seems weak to me. What is best for us the residence of GT? I would like to understand all of the reasoning for dumping what was once a working EMS service for us. If this is the "straw that broke the camels back" what were the other reasons? Please make me believe this was a good move for the residence of GT. So far I've not seen a good reason. Please Mayor Mayer, assure us what you've done is for the good of the residence of GT, and not just partisan politics as is being speculated in all these comments.

Talk about a political smoke screen. The mayor doesn't care about the lives he ruins. This has nothing to do with what is best for the people of GT. I have worked for GT EMS, yes there were problems but there are problems everywhere. This is politics at its finest.

Remember in November 2014.

All the vehicles were inspected and registered. The problem was the state just never sent them the new registration cards.2 hours After the state and the mayor and everyone showed up and pulled this stunt all of the paper work was there and all legit, but the mayor said that still wasn't good enough. All tho the state said it was good enough for them and that they could go back in service, but the mayor and chief said no, even tho they don't have the authority to do that. It's politics at its finest. 2 people who r suppose to be community leaders just put 45 people out of jobs for no reason at all.

Excuse me, a responsible business owner, especially someone in the business of transporting sick or injured people, should have said something back in march to the community they service. I'm sure he could have called the Mayor and said, we can't operate "legally" without the paperwork. Can you help us obtain it? Did he do that? No, he continued to operate illegally. He's just another person taking advantage of the system. Just like his son did. I guess the apple really doesn't fall far from the tree.

It's funny how none of u people know .anything. he was working with the mayor. Everything was fine they were talking negotiations and everything about gtems. They mayor new every little thing that was going on with gtems and he was suppose to be helping them and working with them. Then he decided he was jus goin to back door them and he pulled this stunt. So before u talk about people driving illegally get ur facts straight..

The fact is, if my registration expires and I sent the renewal but didn't receive it yet, it is still against the law for me to drive that vehicle. If my car is not inspected, I get a ticket. What makes them above the law? And what makes you such an expert? Were you in there during these negotiations?

Here is the traffic law:
http://lis.njleg.state.nj.us/cgi-bin/om_isapi.dll?clientID=32044394&Depth=2&depth=2&expandheadings=on&headingswithhits=on&hitsperheading=on&infobase=statutes.nfo&record={E5D3}&softpage=Document42

Wow once again the people will never get the truth , I have no clue what is going on in this battle it does look fishy on both sides but the truth be said 45 people are out of work in this bad economy, Don't worry mates the RICH DEMS will delivering more Turkeys this year I hope
...Now I leave you with this tone ........;-)
http://youtu.be/EcKhscio25M

As was said earlier by Ray Polidoro, what is the police department doing getting involved? "When did the Constitution become obsolete and a police state take its place?" This is definitely political as well as a blatant abuse of power, bottom line!
Show up for town council's meeting on Monday July 9th and demand solid answers.

Funny how "lovelingingt" registers today and has to take up the cause of our mayor. If we didn't know better, we'd think it was someone with political connections or a political patronage job. Common sense tells everyone that this is all about politics.

Yes I did register today. I am not connected or even remotely involved in politics. I am not on the Mayors side. I just cant stand it when everyone is automatically against the government. We elected him and were supposed to stand behind him. People are never happy with anyone that is in office. It's easy and convenient to blame the local government but the fact of the matter is that the trucks were unregistered and that is a violation. She we give them back the business now that they are registered? I'm not sure. If they are willing to continue to provide service with unregistered and un-inspected vehicles, whats to stop them from cutting back on other things? EMT certifications? Driver with not so perfect driving records because it saves money?

Yeah that unregistered vehicle was killing people...LOL what a joke, stop with the dramatics!! If the name Norcross is involved it's dirty my friend and if you don't know that you haven't lived around here long and if you have take off your blinders.

But they weren't and how in the hell does a piece of paper stop them from having an accident? Hey, I don't want you to feel attacked but when you get your next ticket you're FIRED!!! Does that make sense to you? A whole squad dismantled over vehicle registration, that is a bad joke much like your hypothetical situations you threw up earlier.

Actually Lovelivingingt if ya really new the state law, after a vehicle is registered, you can operate it on the roadway without the new card as you wait for it in the mail. The police can run the registration and find out its legit as I would know first hand. As far as you, your just one of those simple people who signs on and does the typical talk crap under a fake name Dave as you still to this point have no idea. Hey if the Twp knew this for a week why would they utilize them for their convenience for a event this past Saturday in them so called "illegal" trucks. Come on now with the stupidity comments. It was a paperwork error which was fixed in 2 hours, but there is always that one person who has to sign on and bash a family. A bet that apple that didn't fall far from the tree is smarter then your A**. Worry about you and your own sons job before you bash anyone else.

I love how lovelivinginingt keeps bringing up this unregistered vehicles. What don't u understand? They were registered they jus didn't have the new papers, but they did within an hour of the state being there. I have never once seen a person die because of a vehicle not having a registration card. Ur pathetic. Stop sitting around the computer with a hard on and a beer in ur hand and go get a life. Is ur life that bad that you have to get in others peoples business. Your pathetic.. wahwahwah...

What are you twelve?

The Camden county democratic machine needs to be put out to pasture. They have been a clique for a hundred years and are antiquated. I vote republican during every election forward of this.

With vehicles registered, a paper document should not have allowed Mayor Mayer to think shutting down the EMS service that has operated in this town for ten years tax free, was the thing to do. Then bringing up years old resolved tax issues (no mention of Mellace the accountant) to attempt to justify? Even the old Russian communists are laughing at Mayer.

Just a point of clarification: The state Health Department spokeswoman stated the ambulances were unregistered--UNREGISTERED--not that they were lacking a piece of paper saying they were registered. She also noted that one of the ambulances had been in operation since March while unregistered. There is plenty of ammo, so to speak, for people falling on both sides of this issue to hurl at each other. Let's not make things up to suit our position. The ambulances were unregistered, according to a state official with no stake whatsoever in this issue.

Btw: State law DOES require you to have that piece of paper saying your vehicle is registered with you. If you don't, you can be cited for failing to produce documents, even if the vehicle has been registered.

Finally, let's put a rest to the personal attacks on other readers. Everyone is entitled to express their opinions here. That goes for everyone. Thank you.

Democrats suck. Plain and simple. The police chief needs to get a clue and grow some balls to stand up to political mud slingers. The residents will never benefit from this behavior. The township residents matter most. Abuse of power leads to corruption and immoral actions. We will see where this goes and will remember come elections and legislation time. As far as registrations and renewal time and due process should be fair and if the paperwork is in...... then MVC should be more timely. They do make errors and I can testify to lack of competent service with them . But as far as EMS if they can correct it without loss of service then the mayor should go jump in a lake and relax and worry about. Crime instead. The amount of drunken police officers driving should be a stronger platform for reformation. Start pursuing surprise random drug testing for township employees. And let's get to the truth on how many are under a doctors care. Then publicize the findings. Mayor included with anyone else exhibiting unsound bevavior. Them democrats are all nuts.

WOW 45 people out of work , but Guess what http://gloucestertownship.patch.com/articles/report-public-works-director-to-be-suspended-2-days-without-pay-over-council-meeting-blowup this guy only got 2 days and he is back to work ....Just care , Time for GT to make some real change

Resolution to contract Kennedy Health Systems for EMS July 2nd

http://www.glotwp.com/pdfs/agendas/sp-agenda070212.pdf

USUALLY Council sneaks unpopular agenda items in at 6pm. Monday July 2nd

Being introduced for a vote on Resolution

R-12:07-152 Resolution confirming an emergency situation resulting from a declaration issued by New Jersey Dept of Health, office of Emergency Medical Services declaring the (7) seven Emergency Response vehicles owned by GT EMS Alliance to be out of service and thereby prohibiting their response to emergency calls and confirming the award of a contract to Kennedy Health System without quotes and sealed bids pursuant to the laws of the State of New Jersey.

Does anyone remember when the chief of GTEMS was locked up for DWI after showing up to a call intoxicated? However, I see people saying they don't respect the chief of police, Harry Earle. I don't recall ever hearing that "Lackey" Chief Earle ever showed up to work intoxicated and putting people's lives at risk. The Township only did what needed to be done. Unregistered vehicles may be a minor offense. However, if he can't register 5 vehicles, what else is wrong with this company? Do you really want a guy like him responding to your house if you or your family have a medical issues? Only people I feel for are the employees that lost there jobs. God bless them, hopefully they all find jobs in the near future.

Jim, they do random drug testing ALL the time.

Alex, just for the record. It is a tittle 39 offense to not have that little card in the vehicle at the time of a traffic stop. Yes, it can be looked up to see if a car is registered, however, it's the drivers responsibility to show proof the vehicle is registered, not the officers to look it up.

I think it is ridiculous for people to be attacking Chief Earle in this situation. He is just doing his job. He has nothing to do with the Mayor's decision not to allow GTEMS to continue to operate in GT.
I certainly feel for the 45 people who will be put out of work. But whether or not this is something politically motivated, if the ownership of GTEMS broke the law (a minor offense or not) then yes, it is reasonable that Chief Earle be involved.

Michael, he simply discussed the legal part of the issue. He said his part and then turned it over to the mayor. Being that the personal standards unit for the twp falls under the police department, Chief Earle is obligated to at least say something during the press conference. As far as actually having the press conference, it just to keep people informed of what's going on in town.

Do you think that it bothers Mayor Mayer to put the 45 EMS workers out of work during these tough economic times? Politics over People. It is the Norcross-Mayer way I suppose. It is not about the Police Chief and it is not about the head of the EMS service. It is about those 45 devoted local life savers. They have served this township for 10 years without a single complaint. Focus on those 45 local life savers.

I agree it is deff ashame 45 people lost their jobs.

I agree.. It's def politics over people, since when have you seen the state dept. of health shutting down a service with the police dep chief an several other officers standing over their shoulder as they worked..Since when is there a news conf. Over vehicle problems. Just a Chief who loves to be in the spotlight. Soon enough he will be on the other side of the camera along with the mayor trying to defend their heartless actions to make 45 people lose their jobs over one person they dislike to het their rocks off when the true facts come out. It is what it is for now but god bless them good souls who took the brunt of their actions and now have to scramble to find a way to feed their families.

The Mayor put 45 hard working people from his own township out of jobs but calls himself a politician for for his township. Yeah RIGHT!!!!! Lets put you out of a job with no benefits (like health insurance!) Mr Mayor Mayor and see how you like it. These people were high quality EMTs who did their job well. Totally ridiculous. You went from having 3 ambulances plus volunteer all call ambulances to 2 ambulances. How is that a step in the right direction? Lets see how much mutual aid has to be called in to pick up the deficit that YOU made.
A CONCERNED MICP

It's a real shame that 45 people lost their jobs because their boss wasn't more proactive in getting something as small as paperwork in order. I also read that there were expired medications on the the ambulances and other violations. That is bad business practices and should have never happened. I totally respect all the employees but it's the person running the business that people should be aiming their anger towards. I don't agree that the township should have just let things go "business as usual". If it only took a couple of hours to straighten things out, why was there a problem to begin with? I really hope all the employees can find other jobs quickly. A few are personal friends and very good people.

Smoke and mirrors. Say what you need to say and then do what you want to do.

I still say if it only took a couple of hours to "get things straight", why did it happen to begin with? As far as only saline expired, my brother-in-law is an EMT and wouldn't use a bottle of peroxide I had because it was expired. Why were the employees made to work with equipment they weren't allowed (by law) to use? I wonder what the good people of Gloucester Township would be saying if this was swept under the rug and we found out our elected officials let such an important service continue to operate illegally in our community? I say wake up to those who think everything they don't agree with is politically motivated in local and national government. If I found out council let this business continue as it was, I would be demanding resignations. I work in the medical equipment business and if the state came in and found violations, no matter how "small", we would be shut down too. That would cause over 790 people to be unemployed. Who would be saying it was the mayor and police dept's fault? Really people?? I am just a regular citizen with no political connections, maybe that's why I see things differently? Also, if you look very closely into this, violations go much deeper than expired saline and registrations. The public should educate themselves with more facts before believing the nonsense that's being spewed.

I feel as though I should help clarify some things. For starters, the Mayor, Council, and especially the PD have an absolute concern (if not a right in my opinion) to have the ability to check on the "books" of the Alliance. The PD have the oversight of public safety including emergency medical services, so don't you think that they should know if the people or company they have providing EMS to the town is a sustainable entity? Registrations and inspections aside, according to the press releases the Mayor and Chief have been trying to gain access to that information, and information regarding the Alliance's chain of command, for months if not years. All of which fell on apparently deaf ears. Again information that would ease the minds that those people running the Alliance were doing a good job and were qualified to run that company in the interest of public safety. Next, can someone show me where the Alliance has 9 crews in service, or 5 for that matter as some on here claim? If I'm not mistaken there were 2 crews on 24/7 and one crew extra M-F. In the report to Council, it stated that the "all call/volunteer" crews (when called for) only responded something like 17% of the time, and I'd bet the majority of those were other crews who just happened to be there at shift change or when the supervisors got on a truck. So far I don't believe I have heard anyone state how Kennedy is handling the task, positive or negative. In the end, public safety is paramount.