FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Anastasia Zuccaro
267-317-0320
Zuccaro Calls for transparency and collaboration to address EMS concerns
SHAMONG TOWNSHIP, NJ — Anastasia Zuccaro, the Democratic nominee for Shamong Township Committee, today hand-delivered letters to the Shamong Township Committee calling for transparency and public engagement regarding the recent announcement that Shamong Township would be canceling its operating agreement with Tabernacle Rescue Squad (TRS).
“The fact that Committee leaders took this action in Executive Session after the public left is appalling,” Zuccaro stated in her communications.
The Shamong Township Committee voted on August 5th to cancel their agreement with TRS after reports of missed or understaffed calls. “It is frustrating that the Committee leadership failed to act when they first learned of this issue in July. In fact, we now learn that issues relating to EMS services have existed since October 2024. The Committee leadership failed to be open with the community. The Committee leadership failed to seek solutions; instead, they made excuses,” Zuccaro said.
The Committee voted to cancel their agreement with TRS after an Executive Session following the public meeting. Executive Sessions are meetings that exclude public viewing and comment. Officials meet behind closed doors, where traditionally, issues related to real estate, legal, and personnel matters are discussed. “This was all done out of public view,” Zuccaro explained.
On August 11th, Tabernacle Township announced its intention to cancel its agreement with TRS. Most Shamong Township residents learned of the decision the following day through press and social media reports.
Zuccaro has been hearing from Township residents about their concerns with the cancellation of the agreement with TRS.
“There are many residents who have expressed concerns about the amount of time it will take for an ambulance to get to them or a loved one in a medical emergency,” Zuccaro said.
“What is most offensive is that just one hour earlier, Mayor Di Croce was presenting a Township Resolution to EMS, firefighters, and other volunteers who responded and protected our community during the Mines Spung Wildfire. To then vote, in secret, to cancel the same service you just publicly thanked is unbelievable,” Zuccaro stated.
Zuccaro has reached out to county, state, and federal officials seeking their input and has called on the Township Committee to bring together stakeholders and interested parties to help work towards a solution.
“I appreciate that some of the neighboring communities are ready to provide EMS support, but I truly believe it is essential that we engage our residents since this could be a life-or-death situation for them,” Zuccaro said.