Lawsuit Settled Between Liberty Corner First Aid Squad, Bernards Twp.

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — The Bernards Township and the Liberty Corner First Aid Squad(LCFAS) settled a lawsuit following almost 6 months of ongoing litigation.

"I couldn't be more pleased to announce the settlement of this litigation," said Bernards Township Mayor Andrew McNally at the Tuesday night Committee meeting.

The lawsuit was filed by the township in October 2022 over how to disperse of the squad's remaining assets after the squad ceased operations in September 2022. Read More: Bernards Township To File Lawsuit Against Liberty Corner Rescue Squad

"We believe it was wise for litigation…. We have always held the services performed by the squad throughout its history in very high esteem. Nonetheless, we felt we had a duty to residents to bring this litigation," said McNally.

Greg Taylor, President of the LCFAS and Don Hart, Vice President of LCFAS, stood before the township committee on Tuesday and read a prepared statement that shared their support of the agreement which they felt reflected the squad's goals of supporting local emergency services.

"Local volunteers, EMS, and fire agencies will receive much-needed money and equipment. And the township police, who are usually first on the scene for many medical emergencies, will receive new state-of-the-art life-saving equipment," read Hart. "Although the process was briefly diverted by a misunderstanding between the squad and the township we are glad the agreement we reached will follow the squad’s resources to be repurposed to serve the local community in a way our donors would want."

McNally said that as part of the settled agreement the squad's assets and money will be directly appropriated to the township's police, fire, and EMS companies and the reminder will remain in a trust for future appropriations for emergency services.

"The settlement we are ratifying tonight like any settlement is not 100 percent perfect but it is a most reasonable compromise that avoids unnecessary litigation expenses and time. Most importantly it ensures that the overwhelming majority of the former squad’s assets will be supporting Bernards Township while some relatively small amounts will go to nearby mutual aid partners," said McNally.

The resolution approving the settlement agreement was unanimously passed by the Bernards Township Committee.

Committeewoman Janice Fields thanked the squad for its many years of service.

"Tremendous respect goes out to you for the selfless job you did for our community. And I am happy we came to a resolution. You are in everyone's hearts and no one will ever forget what you have done for our community. So thank you," said Fields.

Committeewoman Jennifer Asay also said she was grateful both parties were able to come to a resolution.

"The stories and heroic actions of this first aid squad will always be remembered and revered," said Asay. "I am very grateful we can move on after a fair agreement."

Related:

• Liberty Corner First Aid Squad Halts Operation After 57 Years
• Tensions Rise In Basking Ridge: Rescue Squad, Township At Odds
• Rescue Squad Supporters Criticize Township's Decision To Seize Assets

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