TABERNACLE, N.J. (WPVI) — Residents of Tabernacle Township gathered Monday night to protest the planned eviction and disbandment of the Tabernacle Rescue Squad, a local emergency medical service that has served the community for more than 70 years.
The meeting, held with township officials, followed weeks of concern over public safety and the future of emergency response in the area. Leaders from both the township and the rescue squad emerged from a closed executive session, appearing optimistic about continuing conversations.
“Come together with level heads, with members of the squad, members of the community and form a solution,” said Joe McNally of Tabernacle Township.
RELATED | New Jersey council meeting erupts over rescue squad termination
New Jersey council meeting erupts over rescue squad termination
While the details of the executive session remain confidential, members of the rescue squad said township officials seemed receptive.
“If they didn’t get there in the time they did, I would’ve died,” said Susan Throop, a Tabernacle resident who credited the squad with saving her life during a severe allergic reaction. “You can’t get rid of this. You can’t get rid of TRS. They saved my life!”
Throop was among dozens of residents who addressed the township committee, urging them to reconsider the decision.
“Are you going to be responsible for when people die?” asked Victoria Rock, another Tabernacle resident.
Following public comment, the room erupted in applause when rescue squad leaders were invited into the executive session with committee members.
“I think if we all get back together, we can show the cost. The real cost is not hard for us to do and show them what it’s going to be so that they can make that educated decision and hopefully stay with our organization,” said Chief George Jackson of the Tabernacle Rescue Squad.
The squad has faced challenges this year, including a transition from a volunteer to paid staffing model and a failed merger with neighboring squads. These issues contributed to a missed response rate of approximately 30% according to the township, though Jackson said the situation is improving and the squad needs more time to stabilize.
“Pass a resolution to postpone this deadline,” urged Michael Rudderow of Southampton.
The township’s current plan is to transfer EMS services to providers in Lumberton and Southampton. Mayor Joseph Barton said if that option is chosen, he is confident an agreement will be finalized before the November 9 deadline.
Further discussions are scheduled for the next township committee meeting on September 22.
Copyright © 2025 WPVI-TV. All Rights Reserved.
