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Montgomery County prosecutors are alleging that more than $1 million earmarked for running the volunteer emergency service was spent instead on a wide array of eyebrow-raising extravagances.
Three unpaid volunteer leaders of the Plymouth ambulance corps are reportedly at the center of the investigation: Harvey S. Grossman, the association's chief financial officer and treasurer; association president Jeff Cohen; and chief operations officer George Gilliano.
No charges have been filed, but all three have been stripped of power while the criminal investigation continues. Last week, police raided Grossman's home and removed a variety of furnishings - right down to the pillows - they suspect were purchased on the association's tab.
Court documents allege that ambulance association money - from a combination of donations, insurance payments and local taxpayers - went for all sorts of unconventional supplies and services, including sexy women's undergarments, visits to strip clubs, home furnishings, a kitchen remodeling, mystery improvements on a vacant lot, recreational watercraft and a luxury sports box.
But, as any decent defense lawyer will tell you, for every bad appearance there is a perfectly plausible explanation. I am sure that is the case here.
Let us begin with the Victoria's Secret purchase. As any medical professional will attest, you just can't beat a slinky pink bra for fashioning a supple yet sturdy arm sling. It provides just the right combination of elasticity and underwire support to assure that the damaged limb is properly supported en route to the hospital.
Similarly, no ambulance would be properly supplied without a full complement of lacy panties. You've got a typical male subject in full cardiac arrest? Forget the defibrillator paddles. Pull out the Victoria's Secret undies. Revives him every time.
Ambulance association money also allegedly went to finance visits to strip clubs. Agreed, this is a difficult one for the general public to accept.
But, come on, people, even the best-trained volunteers need an occasional refresher course in human anatomy. Think of it as community-based continuing education: Excuse me, Professor Brandie, but could you demonstrate that whole "hip bone's connected to the thigh bone" thing again?
Which brings us to the luxury box at the Wachovia Center. Granted, taking in a Flyers game is a few notches below women and poles on the continuing-education ladder, but what better place to observe human suffering in action? Think of it as Injury Awareness Night. Good thing there's a ready supply of fishnet stockings out in the ambulance in case anyone needs an emergency tourniquet.
Granted, it's tough to explain the $13,500 purchase of a pair of jet skis for a department that has no marine unit. All I can say is when the Great Flood comes, you'll wish your local ambulance corps had thought of it.
Again, there must be a simple explanation for the $57,000 reported in "building improvements" to what turned out to be a vacant lot in Norristown. And when I think of it, I'll be back in touch.
As for that $3,842 Rolex watch Grossman purchased with an ambulance company credit card, let me ask you this: When it's your pulse being taken, do you want to take a chance on a $17 Casio?
Yes, of course, it all makes sense. Every last penny of it. This isn't about venality or greed. It's simply about finding new and innovative ways to stay on the cutting edge of emergency medical care. Case closed.
This is cache, read story here
Montgomery County prosecutors are alleging that more than $1 million earmarked for running the volunteer emergency service was spent instead on a wide array of eyebrow-raising extravagances.
Three unpaid volunteer leaders of the Plymouth ambulance corps are reportedly at the center of the investigation: Harvey S. Grossman, the association's chief financial officer and treasurer; association president Jeff Cohen; and chief operations officer George Gilliano.
No charges have been filed, but all three have been stripped of power while the criminal investigation continues. Last week, police raided Grossman's home and removed a variety of furnishings - right down to the pillows - they suspect were purchased on the association's tab.
Court documents allege that ambulance association money - from a combination of donations, insurance payments and local taxpayers - went for all sorts of unconventional supplies and services, including sexy women's undergarments, visits to strip clubs, home furnishings, a kitchen remodeling, mystery improvements on a vacant lot, recreational watercraft and a luxury sports box.
But, as any decent defense lawyer will tell you, for every bad appearance there is a perfectly plausible explanation. I am sure that is the case here.
Let us begin with the Victoria's Secret purchase. As any medical professional will attest, you just can't beat a slinky pink bra for fashioning a supple yet sturdy arm sling. It provides just the right combination of elasticity and underwire support to assure that the damaged limb is properly supported en route to the hospital.
Similarly, no ambulance would be properly supplied without a full complement of lacy panties. You've got a typical male subject in full cardiac arrest? Forget the defibrillator paddles. Pull out the Victoria's Secret undies. Revives him every time.
Ambulance association money also allegedly went to finance visits to strip clubs. Agreed, this is a difficult one for the general public to accept.
But, come on, people, even the best-trained volunteers need an occasional refresher course in human anatomy. Think of it as community-based continuing education: Excuse me, Professor Brandie, but could you demonstrate that whole "hip bone's connected to the thigh bone" thing again?
Which brings us to the luxury box at the Wachovia Center. Granted, taking in a Flyers game is a few notches below women and poles on the continuing-education ladder, but what better place to observe human suffering in action? Think of it as Injury Awareness Night. Good thing there's a ready supply of fishnet stockings out in the ambulance in case anyone needs an emergency tourniquet.
Granted, it's tough to explain the $13,500 purchase of a pair of jet skis for a department that has no marine unit. All I can say is when the Great Flood comes, you'll wish your local ambulance corps had thought of it.
Again, there must be a simple explanation for the $57,000 reported in "building improvements" to what turned out to be a vacant lot in Norristown. And when I think of it, I'll be back in touch.
As for that $3,842 Rolex watch Grossman purchased with an ambulance company credit card, let me ask you this: When it's your pulse being taken, do you want to take a chance on a $17 Casio?
Yes, of course, it all makes sense. Every last penny of it. This isn't about venality or greed. It's simply about finding new and innovative ways to stay on the cutting edge of emergency medical care. Case closed.
This is cache, read story here
