PLUMSTED — The chief of emergency medical services has lost his job with the Plumsted Township First Aid Squad and had his emergency medical technician certificate suspended by the state,
The actions came after officials learned about criminal charges that were lodged against David Rogers and because he allegedly tested positive for narcotics while on the job.
According to a Feb. 23, 2015, letter from the New Jersey Department of Health, Office of Emergency Medical Services, Rogers’ EMT license was suspended after officials learned of his December 2014 arrest for allegedly submitting duplicate receipts for reimbursement for purchases made on behalf of the Plumsted Fire Department and First Aid Squad.
Officials said Rogers had allegedly submitted those receipts, totaling hundreds of dollars, multiple times between February and October 2013 for items ranging from “awards and building materials” to “cleaning supplies/items to complete the bunk room.”
Officials also said Rogers was charged with “billing the first aid squad for service rendered to [his] personal vehicle without authorization.”
As noted in the letter, officials said a police report revealed that an invoice from an auto parts dealer for work done on a 2012 GMC Sierra pickup truck for $104.67 was paid for through the first aid squad’s account with the auto parts dealer. Funds were automatically deducted from the account.
According to officials, police noted that Rogers allegedly owns a vehicle very similar to the 2012 GMC Sierra listed in the work. First aid squad officials told police they do not use such a vehicle and that Rogers was not allowed to use the funds in that way.
Police arrested and charged Rogers with theft by unlawful taking or disposition on Dec. 3, 2014.
According to Ronald Tobia, an attorney representing Rogers, the theft charges are pending in the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office.
“We intend to vigorously contest these matters in the future and we feel that Mr. Rogers, when the facts are known, will be vindicated,” Tobia said.
The letter from the state says an investigator learned Rogers had allegedly tested positive for oxycodone and oxymorphone following a random drug test administered by the township on Nov. 13, 2013.
As a result of their findings, state officials determined Rogers’ EMT certification was to be suspended, effective Feb. 23, 2015. The department said his continued certification “poses an immediate or serious threat to the public health, safety or welfare.”
That same day, the Plumsted Township Board of Fire Commissioners voted to terminate Rogers’ employment with the Plumsted Township First Aid Squad. The board oversees the operation of the squad.
Acting EMS Chief Jodi Byrne declined to comment on Rogers’ termination.