'Totally wrong': Protesters slam Toms River plan to replace police captains with EMTs

Jean Mikle, Asbury Park Press
·4 min read

TOMS RIVER - Waving signs and wearing blue shirts that read, "We Support TRPD," a crowd of 80 to 90 people gathered Tuesday afternoon at Washington and Robbins streets to express their anger about Mayor Daniel Rodrick's plan to eliminate two police captains' jobs to pay for the salaries of eight new emergency medical technicians.

Toms River resident Jerry Nappi said he had voted for Rodrick in last November's general election, but claimed the mayor "stole my vote by promising things he did not do," including, Nappi said, taking a full-time mayor's job while keeping his job as a teacher in Middletown. Nappi said that's "double-dipping with my tax money."

"I wanted to support the police that I depend on," Nappi said. "I dial 911 and they show up."

"I support my local police. What he is doing is totally wrong," said Toms River resident Lenny Oaks.

Between 80 and 90 people came out to a protest a proposed ordinance on the agenda for January 31 Township Council meeting that would eliminate two police captains jobs. During rally they were collecting signatures in an effort to invalidate the ordinance.
Between 80 and 90 people came out to a protest a proposed ordinance on the agenda for January 31 Township Council meeting that would eliminate two police captains jobs. During rally they were collecting signatures in an effort to invalidate the ordinance.

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The protest, and another scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Wednesday night outside town hall, were organized by Rodrick opponents to protest the mayor's plan to fund additional EMTs by cutting police captains' jobs.

Under an ordinance introduced by the council Jan. 18, the captains' jobs would be cut as two police leaders retire, resulting in a savings of $700,000 in salary, pension payments and benefits. The ordinance is scheduled for a final reading — and potential adoption — Wednesday night, at a 7 p.m. meeting being held virtually on Zoom.

Between 80 and 90 people came out to a protest a proposed ordinance on the agenda for January 31 Township Council meeting that would eliminate two police captains jobs. During rally they were collecting signatures in an effort to invalidate the ordinance.
Between 80 and 90 people came out to a protest a proposed ordinance on the agenda for January 31 Township Council meeting that would eliminate two police captains jobs. During rally they were collecting signatures in an effort to invalidate the ordinance.

That money would be used to fund eight new community service officers — emergency medical technicians who would ensure the township has 24-hour first aid coverage, 365 days a year, the mayor said. "Residents have been waiting up to 30 minutes for an ambulance to arrive. It's unacceptable!" Rodrick wrote in a letter to residents sent last week.

Also eliminated was the police community's relations job held for the past seven years by Jillian Messina. Township spokesman Phil Stilton is also now police department spokesman.

Jerry Nappi holds a sign criticizing Mayor Daniel Rodrick, whom he voted for in November. Between 80 and 90 people came out to a protest a proposed ordinance on the agenda for January 31 Township Council meeting that would eliminate two police captains jobs. During rally they were collecting signatures in an effort to invalidate the ordinance.
Jerry Nappi holds a sign criticizing Mayor Daniel Rodrick, whom he voted for in November. Between 80 and 90 people came out to a protest a proposed ordinance on the agenda for January 31 Township Council meeting that would eliminate two police captains jobs. During rally they were collecting signatures in an effort to invalidate the ordinance.

The closure of volunteer first aid squads on Toms River's barrier island has made the shortage of emergency medical technicians particularly acute there. The lack of first aid response has been a constant complaint from barrier island residents over the past year.

In a response to Rodrick's letter, police Chief Mitch Little urged the mayor to pause before eliminating any department positions, noting that grants may be available to fund the new EMTs. The county is also working on a plan to assist with first aid response on the barrier island.

Councilmen David Ciccozzi and James Quinlisk, who voted against the ordinance cutting the two captains' jobs, attended the rally, along with with former council members Terrance Turnbach and Matt Lotano.

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Resident Phillip Brilliant speaks at the rally. Between 80 and 90 people came out to a protest a proposed ordinance on the agenda for January 31 Township Council meeting that would eliminate two police captains jobs. During rally they were collecting signatures in an effort to invalidate the ordinance.
Resident Phillip Brilliant speaks at the rally. Between 80 and 90 people came out to a protest a proposed ordinance on the agenda for January 31 Township Council meeting that would eliminate two police captains jobs. During rally they were collecting signatures in an effort to invalidate the ordinance.

Phil Brilliant, one of the rally organizers, urged residents to sign a petition to repeal the ordinance if it is adopted tonight. In order to force a referendum on the measure, organizers must gather at least 5,000 Toms River residents' signatures within 20 days after the ordinance is adopted, Brilliant said.

Janet Laing held up a sign attacking township Recreation Director Jon Salonis, who is rumored to be in line for the business administrator's job. Administrator Scott Tirella is expected to resign later this week, sources said.

Laing's sign said Salonis, a political consultant and close Rodrick ally who previously worked as communications director for the Borough of Carteret, was unqualified for his job.

"I think it's very important to stand up for our township at this time, the police and everybody who has lost a job already," Laing said. She said she fears the mayor may privatize other departments, including public works, which could lead to more people being laid off.

"These are not the changes we want," she said. "Not at the expense of the hard-working people who live here."

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Between 80 and 90 people came out to a protest a proposed ordinance on the agenda for January 31 Township Council meeting that would eliminate two police captains jobs. During rally they were collecting signatures in an effort to invalidate the ordinance.
Between 80 and 90 people came out to a protest a proposed ordinance on the agenda for January 31 Township Council meeting that would eliminate two police captains jobs. During rally they were collecting signatures in an effort to invalidate the ordinance.

Here is the link for residents interested in participating in Wednesday night's meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89508159869. The meeting ID is 895 0815 9869. To make public comment, use the following information: One tap mobile, +13052241968,,89508159869# US +13092053325,,89508159869#. The meeting ID is 895 0815 9869.

Rodrick said the township council meeting will also be available to be seen on Toms River's YouTube channel.

Jean Mikle covers Toms River and several other Ocean County towns, and writes about issues related to Superstorm Sandy. She's also passionate about the Shore's storied music scene. Contact her: @jeanmikle,  jmikle@gannettnj.com.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Toms River protest slams plan to replace police captains with EMTs