Emergency vehicles on the Oceanic Bridge during the rescue of Fair Haven Fire Chief Shaun Foley Sunday night.
By DUSTIN RACIOPPI
Yesterday had the feel of Black Monday at the Fair Haven firehouse.
Twenty-four hours after borough Fire Chief Shaun Foley plunged from the Oceanic Bridge into the the Navesink River, department members were visibly shaken and reluctant to discuss his drastic actions Sunday night. Only two people within the department, Deputy Chief Jim Cerruti and President Jim Butler, spoke with reporters at Monday night’s Fair Haven Borough Council meeting. But they didn’t say much.
“One of our top concerns is his well being,” Butler said.
Neither Butler nor Cerruti knew Monday night whether Foley, a 27-year-old who is also a dispatcher and special police officer in Rumson, was discharged as expected from Jersey Shore Medical Center in Neptune, where he was last reported in fair condition. Cerruti has filled in to take over Foley’s duties while the department conducts an investigation into Sunday night’s tumultuous turn of events.
Rumson police said that Foley, while driving his fire chief’s vehicle, hit a telephone pole on East River Road at about 5:51p Sunday night, and then left the scene on foot. He ended up more than three-quarters of a mile away, on the west side of the Oceanic Bridge, where a Little Silver police officer involved in the search for the vehicle’s driver tried talking him off the bridge.
Instead, Foley jumped over the bridge’s railing into the river, police said. He was rescued some 45 minutes later, after an array emergency responders, including the Coast Guard and New Jersey State Police, searched the water surrounding the bridge using helicopters and boats. Foley was fished out of the river about 300 yards west of the bridge, which was closed off to traffic while rescue crews scanned the area.
When redbankgreen visited the firehouse on River Road late Monday afternoon, the bays inside were quiet and the mood was somber. In the back room volunteer firefighters and their families drank soda and talked quietly; they had just returned from a funeral for a volunteers’ mother-in-law. Firefighters at the station said they would “absolutely not” talk about what happened with Foley, and deferred all questions to Cerruti and Butler.
But until the investigation within the department is complete, Cerruti said he can’t speak to any of the details. He wasn’t sure how long the investigation would take, either.
The department has four line officers qualified for the chief position in order to command an emergency scene or fill in for the chief, he said. Cerruti has been a deputy chief for three years.
He declined to say whether Foley has gotten into any legal trouble in the past.
“I can’t talk about that,” he said.
Cerruti also wouldn’t say what the potential consequences for Foley will be, limiting his comments to his own hopes for the young chief.
“I want to see him get beyond this and get better,” Cerruti said.
Rumson Police Chief Ricky Tobias said Monday that charges against Foley were pending. First Assistant Monmouth County Prosecutor Peter Warshaw told redbankgreen his office was not involved in the matter.
“Rumson police said that Foley, which driving his fire chief’s vehicle,”
Which? Was a witch, a which or a who driving. Great grammar.
Chief Ricky Tobias? Wow. That shows proper respect for the office. What next, a rendition of “Ricky Don’t Lose that Number” by the Chief of Police?
am surprised that he wasn’t drinking at one of the well stocked bars located IN one of the local firehouses. Its not secret that every fire house has a bar. One town near me, Little Silver, just fixed their barroom up to look like Ashes. I heard it cost over $200,000.00 for the remodel. There are even classes of membership that do not require the member to ever fight a fire. You can join as a social member and just drink.
Stephanie: Listen to yourself…”I’m surprised” and “I heard.” Do you get off speculating and feeding gossip? How about this…I “heard” Stephanie is a dripping db and I’m “surprised” by the intellect of her internet postings. I don’t condone what happened Sunday, but the stupid comments I read blow my mind!
Stephanie:
Is that what you think? That the only reason people join a volunteer fire, or first aid squad is to drink? You really have no idea whatsoever about volunteer firefighters and EMT’s. What knowledge you have probably gathered is what you hear from people that don’t volunter, but look down their noses at the ones that do. Yes, there was a time that some volunteer fire companies did have members that drank alot, but those companies cleaned up their act a long time ago. Believe it, or not, most fire companies and, or departments have rules about being under the influence and responding to calls. These rules are stricktly enforced and members who choose to violate these rules are often times either suspended, or expelled from the company.
Wow, Stephanie. Firefighters drink? What a revelation. Many people drink. I know plenty of firefighters who don’t drink at all. And yes, at many departments there are social members. They are usually older members who want to have less responsibility than a regular member, or a member who wants to help out on the administrative side such as being a recording secretary, helping with fund drive, cleaning the firehouse and doing a multitude of tasks you probably cannot appreciate. And heaven forbid, many of these social members who are older than 60 years old, are permitted to have a free drink once in a while, especially when they are thirsty or we celebrate a milestone such as a 10 year anniversary of a member.
I’m a Firefighter and an EMT and guess what? I don’t drink. Please do not paint everyone that a volunteer in emergency services and places themselves in dangerous situations so that when you need help and dail 9-1-1 someone shows up with such a broad stroke.
I apologize about the grammer in my previous post. I was upset and typing too fast. I feel better now that I have vented.
I’VE WANTED TO PUNCH GREG OLIVA IN THE FACE MANY TIMES BUT I NEVER JUMPED OFF A BRIDGE.
I want to know how long it takes(and it should be immediately) before each mayor and town council members put through a change that prohibits alcohol consumption or serving of alcohol to ANYONE in a tax payer supported property. This incident is definitely going to spur a lawsuit by the members of the chief’s family, the town residents, the state for repairs to the pole, etc as the firehouse has liquor which allowed the chief to drink and they knew he was drunk when he left, blah,blah ,blah.
I am sure there are ambulance(or firehouse)lawyers putting in the lawsuits as we speak.
I ,as a tax payer ,should not have to pay to settle out of court because Booze is illegally purchased by and for firehouse gatherings.
Rediculous.
Might as well have booze and bars in our hospitals ,schools, police stations and town offices.
Why are the bars allowed in Firehouses?
GET THE BOOZE OUT OF THE HOUSES NOW.
if firefighters celebrating a 10 year anniversary” or something” want to drink then let them go to an establishment which has a license to sell the stuff and responsible for the actions of its patrons.
I donb’t believe the current times we live in support a 60 year old retire drinking in a place where emergency vehicles and support services are located.
Get the BOOZE out of my tax supported agencies.
I say we all get together tonight and try to enice Officer Oliva to carry us off the bridge. I gonna find you big bear leave my man alone!!!!
Polar Bear Plung OFF the Oceanic Whos in ? Let get loaded in the stocked fire house
“everybodys streaking through little Silver tonight Baby”
Were gonna put our blue lights oin and get nuts . Im riding in the tinted jeep!!!exit 109
I just cut the rear end out of my bunker pants for the polar plung party. This is sooooo exciting. I want to re-enact my favorit scene from backdraft hint hint Mr. Oliva
OceanicbearParty, Polar Bear and RUBBA HOSE, Damn, I wanna party with you guys!
I make Fire Truck Siren Sounds in my sleep when I dream of that fateful night. Each dream Im swan diving away from the strong arms of my rescuer and I wake just befor I hit the water screaming Wooooooowooooooowooooooo honk honk
“Resident”, and Stephanie, you have no clue. First, The individual in question was out at some local establishments, not in a firehouse. Second, not one penny of your tax dollars go into any recreation facilities or meeting rooms of our firehouses. Finally, there are very strict regulations regarding any first responder going to an emergency call if they have had ANY alcohol. The volunteers that would run out of their houses at dinner time or at 2:00 AM have to go thru at least 13 weeks of training to come and save your sorry asses. If you have a problem with the volunteer emergency services in your town (which save you $1000’s in taxes) then get off your sorry asses, stop judging and volunteer!!!
In comments made in this and previous articles, it appears that Foley has a least two prior incidents involving his consumption of alcohol and resulting behavior which caused damages.
It appears the two prior incidents have been covered up and concealed.
This latest incident created much attention and was not able to be covered up and concealed.
Is there an unlawful combination which has covered up and concealed wrongdoing?
Should there be an investigation of the unlawful combination?
Wow, resident, you sound like a real joy. Booze illegally purchased for firehouse gatherings? What is illegal about a few adults over the age of 21 purchasing and having an alcoholic beverage. As has already been stated, many firefighters don’t drink at all. And many firehouses are not public property supported by taxpayer dollars. Many fire departments/companies own the land and firehouses, and money to support them come from fundraising. I’m sure you will now say to stop donations to volunteer fire departments. Many of those who volunteer their services for the fire department do not do so looking for free booze, non-alcoholic drink or food. But understand this–firefighting is physically demanding work, and after a drill or a call, firefighters may need a nonalcoholic drink and/or food. Do you want the fire department to order out and go to a restaurant every time someone needs a drink?
I thought Officer Oliva was there helping the drunk flying swan? Why are you all bashing him for doing his job and trying to help the drunk???
Too bad that hot Shrewsbury cop with the mowhawk didn’t show up. He could have stripped into his speedo and saved him
bash him? i want to ride around on his sholders and chicken fight you!
Has anyone asked, “Why was Officer Oliva, from Little Silver, there in the first place?” Could it be that he was following Foley for some time trying to pull him over after he witnessed him swerving? Rumson didn’t call for help from other towns until after he jumped.
justwanttoknow
listen Mr. Consperacy theory!!
Greg Oliva could have been hurt on that bridge. You better pray to the blue light god and be thankful that a hair on his fine head didn’t get mussed. Hope to see you at the plunge tonight
Were all going streaking !!!!
WAIT! Greg Oliva could have messed his hair? Then that was why Shaun jumped! He didnt want to have to make it up to Greg at a later time. I will see you tonight, what time is the plunge?
Blonde Bear- Big Bear- Little Bear - Curly Q
Lets all shave the number 29 in our heads
Unless officer Oliva works for Monmouth County Parks System as a moonlighter I would wonder if he is not streaching the truth just a bit. A park ranger saw him jump.
Wow,
Did a bunch of 13 year old’s stay home from school today and decide to engage in social commentary on RBG?
does it really take greg from ls to rumson to pull someone who appeared drunk over?
Truth - saw who jump? no question as to Foley jumping. He jumped to get away, not with the intent to kill himself.
Oliva, as awesome (and cute) as he is and I’m a guy, is smart enough not to jump. Although he can jump into my lap anytime.
# 1 Stephanie is 100 % correct.
# 2 Resident needs a date.
# 3 Sara is frustrated and needs a date.
# 4 Greg is a good guy and good cop.
Greg is a great cop and a genuinely good guy. I am sure that he did everything within his power to help this man. We are happy to have him in our town.
So truth, if officer oliva wasn’t with foley why did he indicate in a statement that he wanted to fight with him?
i am sure the insurance company holding the policy on that firehouse is going to question the policy this time.
I bet within three weeks there is a lawsuit filed against the firehouse,whether he was there or not.
booze in a firehouse doesn’t add up and this is one incident which brought it to light.
lawsuit coming. Mark my words.
1. Bill touch my baby bear
2. It is true … Guys do like Greg
3. We are going to streek through Little Silver tonight
4. We need you blue light freeks, and for all your hard work you should drink.
5. Cheep tax payers get free fire protection so the unpaid firemen can’t afford to go to fun bars.
6. Keep it up and youll be paying for Fire Services in no time !
Ever notice that every time there is a story or statement about the Fire Department on this site there is always at least 50 or more comments.
It apears that most of them are anti FD, or Firemen defending their service.
Why dont they just stop volunteering so the people who bad mouth them so much wont be able to afford internet service when they have to pay 15 to 30 or more new employees to come to their rescue when they need it.
Even if there is 1 (one) fire a year, you would still have to pay a rotating shift 24/7 to sit in the Firehouse and wait for you to need them.
The towns would have to buy the Firehouses from the Fire Companies or build new ones.
Great idea, go on the local cyber forum and belittle the people who save you the most money.
Yeah, the Chief is a Jack-ass for what he did, but cmon already, The Fire Department, and its members in general shouldnt be a target for his actions.
When people in Monmouth County think of Fair Haven they think of the Fair.
When they think of the fair , they think of the Fire Department.
Fair Haven Fire Department is now and will always be Fair Haven……..
Hey resident, pat twice then flush…
Resident, get your facts straight, the guy WAS NOT IN A FIREHOUSE!!!! He was at a bar licensed to sell alcohol by bartenders that are suppossed to flag inebriated patrons.
If you wake up in the middle of the night and smell smoke or feel chest pains call NYFD because even though the fine volunteers in the town you live in would be happy to save your property or your life for free, apparently your line of thought is that they would be too intoxicated to help. No problem, it should only take the “Pro’s” about an hour to get to you.
All you tax paying know it alls can solve your tax issues very simply. Do away with volunteer services completely,of course this will mean your taxes will go through the roof. You see paid services will cost you in the neighborhood of ten times that of volunteers (who are trained to the same level). So all of you that think your taxes are being wasted, go ahead and hire people to sit around waiting for a fire or first aid call. By the way as has been posted most of the buildings housing these services are not public, but they will have to be purchased with paid services. Do the math
take a ride on the 4:30 ferry from NYC to Atlantic Highlands. The boozing investment bankers/traders who stack 3 cans of beer or a bunch of scotches on their trays and then get in their Beemers, Range Rovers and Benz’s at the end of the 45 minute ride are the drivers I worry about, not the volunteers in town. But the headline, “Hedge Fund Manager gets DUI” isn’t as exciting, is it?
Oh skull you truly are one of Gods amusing little clowns sent down to provide the rest of us hard working individuals with a great deal of entertainment. Thank you for constantly opening that silly hole just above your chin and below your nose to keep the rest of us aware of just how important it is for us to remain understanding and tolerant to the likes of you.
The first step for you should be to identify your problems and deal with them head on. Resenting those who safeguard you and save your ass when you let that mouth of yours get you into trouble will not get you anywhere. Still you clearly need another outlet for your frustrations.
It’s not our fault that you failed the police test, are scared of fire and allergic to smoke and cringe at the mere thought of performing cpr or controlling bleeding of a dying victim.
Perhaps volunteering at Lunch Break or maybe offering to help out those even less fortunate than yourself would be a good start. Anyway, complaining about those who park in front of your house, the cops giving too many tickets, the crooked small town politics, the high taxes, the laws you claim to know way better than the rest of us, your completely preposterous made up statistics or the volunteers who indulge in libations clearly isn’t working for you. You have no true life experiences to speak of with regards to this incident and you cannot justify your ignorant comments. Not now not ever. Just put your money where your mouth is and contribute something substaintial for once. For each antagonistic comment that you make you should put forth something helpful, like a donation to charity. (Lunch Break would be great)
Really what will you do with yourself once this all dies down? Think of the very reason for being that this tragedy has finally brought you. Help us to turn this negative into a positive.
Thanks for coming!
Sincerely,
Just One of the corrupt, selfish, bribe taking, greedy, coffee drinking, over zealous, one way, money mongering, abusive, alcoholic cops who volunteers during all of our tax payer funded free time from the job.
And last but not least, one Who would still be willing to risk my life for you and/or your family members if put in the situation.”
God bless us all and Happy Thanksgiving to even you Skull.
Sorry for that redundant post, hang in there skull. The holidays are tough for lots of people. Please keep the volunteers in your thoughts, especially as people tend to get more desperate and rely on all of our local resources considerably more at this time of year. In all seriousness Lunch Break really does need help so it would be a gret opportunity to give back and see that we really don’t have it that bad.
All I can say is that for a VOLUNTEER fire company, Fair Haven residents seem to really give very little respect to their members. These men and women, do not need to answer your ridiculous calls every time you have a headache or overdose on your pain pills.
Good lord I would love to see some of you make a mistake and see how you handle it.
Im streaking over the oceanic tonight, see you there oliva! exit 109 rules
greg will you judge a diving contest off the oceanic tonight. Were all wearing speedos - and fire red swim caps with little blue lights on top so the coast gaurd can find us.
Kate, some of these debates on RBG are like crack, but even I had to stay clear of this one….until now. The action of one village idiot has managed to pit one group of village idiots against another group of village idiots. The other 99% of the Fair Haven, most who are thrilled to have the services of FHVFD, are worried about more pressing issues like if Great Aunt Pearl should be seated closer to the bathroom or the recliner on Thursday. I guess my point is that this is that I doubt this is a quality representation of the thoughts of Fair Haven residents.
I suspect most people are a upset that this dope did what he did. And it burns a bit more because of the SUV in which he did what he did. Clearly he needs to find a new calling. But at the end of the day, I am sure they are pleased that he is safe and that nobody was injured.
i wish greggy poo would have jumped in after him and gotten all wet and sexy
I think mattel should make an action figure of that god Greg Oliva, Please everyone refer to him as super greg from now on and give him the honor that he deserves.
i love volunteer fire fighters!!! i wish one would crash into my house!!!!!
Resident: Again, I will repeat myself, I do not condone the actions of Mr. Foley or any “Hedge Fund Trader” who walks of the SeaStreak after drinking the entire trip from NYC and drives home. It was stated that Mr Foley was at a public establishment, where professional bartenders may have been serving him. He was not at any firehouse. That said, towns can not ban “legally” purchased alcohol from firehouses, just as they can’t ban alcohol from your own house…they are both considered private property. Please don’t come down on an entire organization or bad mouth all volunteers because of one bad apple’s actions. Every organization (and family) has at least one bad apple we must deal with. Happy Thanksgiving to you all…even you Mr Resident.
i dont think he should be super greg he should be gold medalist greg louganis!!! perfect 10
Bravo Mike!!!
too bad ptl oliva isnt on the coast guard..im a suker for a skipper hat and boat shoes
I respectfully request that Little Silver require Oliva to wear a zorro mask on duty from now on. Maybe a cute O for Oliva shapped like a bullsie on his backside …
ls police swim suit calander anyone???
Is it possible Mr. Oliva can get access to your IP address and can make your life pretty rotten? Stop bashing the guy already!
oliva cant make anything rotten xoxo
Can we make a Greg Oliva Stud Calender?January wearing only gun belt and smoking pipe.
Maybe a scenic water baywatch shot overlooking the Oceanic for July.
Shaun is a good guy and WAS going to be a good cop, but he f***** up and now has to pay for it. Life will go on for him and thank god no one was killed. But lets look at the other picture, what about the other cops drinking with him at Murray McGreagors? Why did they let him get in that vehicle? They sure know when someone is drunk when they pull us over. Did they get in there cars and drive home after they were drinking with him? They are the ones who should lead by example, and know the rules better then all of us. You all would be surprised if you new all the cops there with him at Murray McGreagors that night.
Shaun Foley has always been a drunk, hes done this in the past. Now hes jumping off bridges, lol? This is nuts, throw his ass in jail like everybody else who knocks down telephone poles when they are bombed drunk. Sunday Funday with the boys leads to jumping off bridges? BAhhhh, really think about it guys…he jumped off the Oceanic after plowing the Fire Chief car into a pole. I would be in jail with no bail. Lock em up!
Maybe the bartenders should have stopped serving him…but FOley is a coward who had to run the boro’s car into a pole to avoid getting a DWI..he should pay the price! And I would rather have my taxes thru the roof if I knew the EMS/FD would show up and not be drunk! Paid sevices is where its at! They know what they are doing!
To begin, YOU ARE NOT SPECIAL, none of you are and neither am I. Those who volunteer are no better and no more important than any others. From my understanding, this is the second town vehicle that the Chief has totaled, and not the first time he has been caught drinking and driving. If this is untrue please refute it because I have no intention of slandering myself. Secondly, and more generally, why are these volunteer members driving town vehicles during their personal time. If this is allowed it should stop. There is no practical reason for towns to supply vehicles to anyone among their volunteer membership. Fair Haven is tiny, if one is so compelled to volunteer let them drive themselves. As to fire department members drinking at firehouses, although it is not an issue in this situation, there is no reason for it. Tax payers do not pay for alcohol, donations do (am I wrong?). Teachers are paid and do significantly more work that any volunteer officials do and they do not drink in their break rooms after school. Council members do not drink in the chambers after council meetings. It is time to grow up and focus on the origin of these problems to better understand them instead of pointing fingers. The problem is caused by the glorification of these people in town sanctioned positions. Like I said they are not special and neither are we.
Greg Oliva is a terrific cop and has been for a long time. Foley has been a terrific drinker for a long time. Their experience levels crossed the other night and really…thank god nobody was seriously hurt or killed. Either could have happened. Have a drink to that on Thanksgiving day in your speedo. I know alot more old drunks than I do old Doctors…..
Several folks have commented on going with paid fireman and how it would raise all or taxes through the roof. Actually not true. You would not be having paid fireman just in Fair Haven, you would have 1 centralized firehouse probably serving Little Silver, Fair Haven, Rumson, Shrewsbury, and Red Bank. If you look at the property sell off alone of the current facilities and equipment you would be in the green for several years. Then take into account you would have a much larger population base paying into taxes (5 towns) if your taxes were to go up it would be minimal at best. I know some would argue the response time would be effected, I don’t think it would take a fire truck with lights and sirens going more then 10 minutes to get from the furthest point West in Red Bank to the furthest point East in Rumson. In the current volunteer setting that serves all of these towns I would doubt if the response time is currently much better.
I for one as a tax payer in one of these towns would prefer to see this happen, I would also prefer to see this happen with several of the Police Departments. Housing all of the current officers in one central location will save money it may eliminate some jobs but given the current economic situation of this state we need to find ways to save money and if there is a way we have to move forward we have to look at those sacrifices as possible realities. I know it is an unpopular opinion but non the less it is mine and I am not the only one.
I don’t see the numbers working for a paid fire dept.
How many people do we need at a fire? 10? Let’s say 5. So, we need 5 firemen on duty at all times. That’s 3 shifts, or 15 employees. What does a fireman make? I found a site that say the average in NJ is $52,000 a year? With benefits, that’s $75,000. So our payroll costs are $1,125,000/year.
That estimated cost is probably way low. I’m not a fireman, but to me, 5 people seems like a light team to handle a fire. And what happens if there two simultaneous emergencies in the 5 towns mentioned? Asbury Park (1.3 sq.mi., 17,500 population) has 55 professional firefighters. The five towns you want to combine would have 13.7 sq.mi and 35,000 population, 10 times the size, twice the population. So it seems like 100 firefighters might be a more reasonable estimate of the number of firefighters. Now we’re up to a payroll of $7.5 million annually.
I just don’t see how a paid firefighting force is going to cost anything close to a volunteer force.
We could save money by consolidating, but that has nothing to do with paying firefighters.
Plus, you wouldn’t get a nickel for the property sell-offs, because most are owned by the fire companies and not the towns. The towns own the equipment, but that’s all.
Comparing AP to the 5 towns I am talking about is no way a far tax base comparison nor is it a fair property value comparison. The real estate value for all of the 5 towns I am talking about has, to at the minimum, top 4 Mil. Even if you keep one of the active houses for a paid squad. If invested properly (as most funds are in municipalities) you should have enough to pay staff for 4 years even with a 3.5% pay increase yearly. Also the sold off property will bring in additional tax revenue for all of the towns to help funding of a paid squad. Don’t forget the profit to be made by the sale of excess equipment. Also the savings involved in not having to up keep the equipment and the facilities. Further if the squad are also medics, then we can consolidate down use of paramedic services in these towns (Not using Mon-0C).
The cost saving on much of this has been done for the police departments, and while most are not in favor of doing this the firm hired to do this did point to an immediate yearly savings of 1 mil. with a gain above that after the first year.
In all honesty it will probably never be done and we can argue/talk about ‘if’ it will save us any money as tax payers. However, we as citizens of these towns complain about property taxes yet we don’t have it in us to vote these type of changes into law. If nothing changes our taxes will only go up further and we will all still be standing around looking at each other wondering when things will change.
I wasn’t comparing the tax base of Asbury Park to the Two River area. I was comparing the size and population to see how many firefighters we might need. I couldn’t find any other professional firefighters nearby. Does anyone know of any?
I would bet there is some cost savings to be had by centralizing fire departments, but combining firehouses does not necessarily mean hiring professionals.
Your estimate of $4 million for the sale of firehouses does not cover the likely personnel costs for one year. But if it did cover the cost of pros for 4 years, then we’d see a tax jump in year 5.
Dan, North Bergen, Weehawken and a few other Hudson County departments did this about 7 years ago. Not sure how it worked out.
firefighter, you calling someone an idiot is like the pot calling the kettle black…
I don’t think you understand how many resources would need to go into a regional paid fire department. During a storm with power outages, each jurisdiction may run multiple calls. How would your “proposed” 5 firemen on duty handle 10 calls in multiple towns?
Just to give you a little insight, there are regulations set forth by the National Fire Protection Agency that specify how many firefighters are to respond to an emergency on a fire apparatus.
Ok, now you 5 firefighters on engines, ladders, and possibly ambulances to cover 5 towns. In other words, 1 firefighter per town. You should do some research before you come here posting information you know little about
Taxes- you can have your opinion but you are a FOOL and have NO IDEA what you are talking about!
So lets get this correct, you are suggesting we fire DUAL certified/licensed personel as paramedic/firemen to handle 5 jurisdictions. Please, argue this with someone who has as low of a competency as you…. Do you know what the “average” ALS (means paramedic level service, im sure you wouldnt know that) bill costs!?!? About $3-5000. FOR ONE PATIENT. ONE CALL. Are you suggesting tax paying residents private insurance companies cover this bill? Do you even know the amount of uninsured in these 5 towns?? That would be all of your precious savings (which i doubt there would be any) going to eat the costs of those bills….
And 5 firemen to handle a fire!? Are you really kidding me?! Thats like saying there only needs to be one person to run the US- no congress or cabniet or anything else- just the president. So low balling it- you have to have atleast 2 “medical” whether they be medics or emts, a RIT team which is 6 dedicated guys who cannot do anything else except standby for firefigther rescue, an officer to run command, and id say atleast 6 guys to have 3 active hose lines- 2 to a line. So Ive low balled numbers for you and were at 15. Real cost effective huh? The reason AP gets away with it is because they can call other VOLUNTEER towns for mutual aid manpower. We wouldnt have that ability since you are stripping all the surrounding towns!! And who is paying for all their yearly, mandated training and physical requirements….
Do you know the call volume these towns have!? Youd be shocked and amazed… Red Bank alone can have 5 EMS calls a day and Ill be kind and say 1 in FH, 1 in Rumson, 2 in Shrewsbury, 1 in LS. So we know have 10 EMS calls. Dont even get me started on fire estimates….
I have just gotten started. Stop acting such a fool and go write somewhere where the people reading don’t speak english… This way you can get away which such lies.
That was me doing the cost estimates with 5 firefighters, not Taxes (posters’ names appear below their posts). I said I didn’t know how many firefighters were necessary, and that I thought 5 seemed light.
Whackersunite estimated 15 as a low-ball estimate, which puts us at around $3.5 million in personnel costs. I still think we’d need more, but in any case, selling firehouses isn’t going to bring us enough money to cover payroll for more than a year at that rate.
Who pays for training and physicals now for firefighters?
LordJohn,
It looks like several towns with professional firefighters regionalized. And now they’re leaving firehouses unstaffed to save money. http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/politics/2009/07/06/meserve.budget.firefighters.cnn
I would love to see firefighters in our towns get compensated, but I just don’t see how we can pay for it.
I find it hard to believe that one paramedic call is $3-$5,000. But even if it is, wouldn’t insurance take care of the bill? Toms River’s PD takes car of hte EMT ambulance. I believe they charge the person’s insurance and I think they end up with a surplus on the money end of things. One would surmise that this surplus could be used to cover the salary costs.
Your comment about the amount of runs and “don’t get me started on the fire estimates” leads me to b elieve that these towns have more fire calls than EMS calls. That seems hard to believe, especially seeing the amount of ambulances going down Broad St. on the way to the hospital.
Regionalization for daily calls does not really work the way you think it does. During a storm, Little Silver can have 3 or 4 calls, Fair Haven can have their own 3 or 4 calls, and so fore. Where Regionalization would help is the administrative end in the technology, of sharing the equipment for the annual FIT test, or bulk purchase of gear, or fuel.
As far as an ALS call with a paramedic, I think the cost actually is much higher, depending on the call. As far as a “regional fire/ems service” having medic’s, It can’t happen at this point in time. As of right now, The Paramedics have to be hospital based. There cannot be a municipality based paramedic system in the state due to state law. MONOC is I believe owned by numerous hospitals or they have a contract with them, not exactly sure on that one.
Why wouldn’t regionalization work for daily calls? We don’t have storms every day. I would think that it is rare that any 2 towns between Red Bank, Fair Haven, Little Silver, Shrewsbury, and Rumson would have calls at the same time. Wouldn’t these 5 towns be equally served by just 2 crews?
Let’s say each town has 2 ambuances, at $120,000 each. That would be $1,200,000.00 If these towns are covered by 2 ambulances, plus 1 for a back-up that would come out to $360,000.00 for a savings of $840,000.00 or $160,000.00 per town, just in vehicle costs.