Ambulances were reportedly dispatched with "blood stains, used needles under the seats, and no working oxygen."
PENNSAUKEN TWP. -- A lawsuit claiming nepotism was at work within the township's Emergency Medical Services (EMS) department has reportedly been settled for $87,000.
The terms reached on May 17 between 13-year EMS employee Dale Wescott and the township came after claims of ambulances dispatched with "blood stains, used needles under the seats, and no working oxygen," per the lawsuit reported by NJ Civil Settlements.
Wescott's suit alleges EMS Chief Michael Coyle hired his wife to handle billing, but that she worked from home on a "non-secure" computer and didn't use a time card. Further, Coyle's step-daughter and son-in-law were both hired despite disqualifying state Civil Service Commission rules and a prior workplace violence charge, respectively.
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Citing terms of confidentiality, Wescott attorney Mike Mormando declined comment on Monday. Township administrator Edward Grochowski, who is also named in the suit, was not available for comment.
The lawsuit also contends that at least one EMS worker was impaired when they reported to a call for service at a local nursing home. They then allegedly struck a parked car and left the scene, with Coyle ordering "the on-duty supervisor not pursue any blood or alcohol testing on that the officer."
Wescott claims he was investigation by the township police department's internal affairs unit after airing his concerns about the above issues. He was later suspended pending a fitness-for-duty examination -- the circumstances of which apparently were not kept private.
Wescott's lawsuit sought damages due to emotional distress, loss of income, injury to reputation and "other personal injuries." He received $52,265.55 as a result of the deal, according to NJ Civil Settlements.
Greg Adomaitis may be reached at gadomaitis@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @GregAdomaitis. Find NJ.com on Facebook.