West Windsor effectively shut down the volunteer Twin W rescue squad on Wednesday, August 22, because the township was unable to finalize a set of policies in the wake of the controversial “Fur-BQ,” or furry costume party, held earlier this summer at the Twin W headquarters (WW-P News, July 6).
“Accounts of the [Fur-BQ] incident may have been overblown, but any such kind of lewd behavior cannot happen,” said Township attorney Michael Herbert. He said West Windsor has not suspended funding for Twin W and had no plans to do so, but no calls will be handled until the squad settles on an agreement with the township. “We are just removing equipment [including several vehicles and two ambulances] until an agreement is struck.”
Herbert says a holdup occurred when “trying to get something in writing” during a negotiation session on Wednesday, August 22. He insists the vehicles, some of which bear the West Windsor Township seal, were not taken back to send a message. It was a measure taken to protect West Windsor from potential litigation.
“West Windsor could be exposed to lawsuits if certain policies are not put in place,” said Herbert. He added he hoped to reach an agreement with Twin W’s leadership by Friday, August 24, (after the WW-P News’ print deadline). In the meantime, he says, emergency services needed by township residents has been covered by paid personnel. “We are hoping that an agreement will be struck quickly so that volunteers can continue to aid our paid personnel and carry out their duties, because they are important functions for the township.”
