Bernards Township To File Lawsuit Against Liberty Corner Rescue Squad Over Assets

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Bernards Township is looking to file a lawsuit against the Liberty Corner First Aid Squad(LCFAS) after it ceased operations last month.

The Township Committee will vote on a resolution during its Tuesday night's meeting to authorize the "Township Attorney to pursue litigation, and all other means, against LCFAS to ensure the proper migration of all assets provided to LCFAS for the purposes of providing EMS services to Bernards Township."

The meeting will be held on Oct. 11 at 8 p.m. at the Municipal Building, 1 Collyer Lane, Basking Ridge. The meeting will be live streamed and can be found by clicking on the "Watch a Meeting Live" icon on the home page, bernards.org and can also be viewed live on Optimum/Cablevision TV -Channel 15 and Verizon FiOS TV - Channel 35.

The all-volunteer rescue squad made the decision to cease EMS operations in Bernards Township effective midnight on Sept. 5 "due to increased call volumes, coupled with all-volunteer staffing issues." Read More: Liberty Corner First Aid Squad Halts Operation After 57 Years

In the resolution, the township claims Chief Financial Officer Sean McCarthy identified all resources provided by the township and public funding to LCFAS to support EMS to township residents "that should be reverted to the Township upon termination of LCFAS for the continuation of uninterrupted EMS services following LCFAS departure, including facilities, vehicles, equipment, and accounts."

LCFAS President Dave "Phil" Lai-Len said he disputes the township's claim to the assets. He would not comment further to Patch as he was following his attorney's instructions.

The resolution further goes on to claim Lai-Len and LCFAS Captain Jad Abousleiman have indicated to McCarthy and the Township "an intent not to return contributions, donations and assets to the Township, including some members stating all LCFAS assets could be used for international donations, including rescue squad vehicles."

A request by Patch for comment to Mayor James Baldassare was not returned.

Read the full resolution here.

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