Another Case of Theft in the Volunteer Fire Service

Posted by: Curt Varone August 15, 2011 1 Comment

There has been another case of theft in the volunteer fire service, this time in West Virginia, and this time to the tune of $242,269.15. Stephen Wilson, 61, the treasurer of the Short Gap Volunteer Fire Department was arrested last Friday, August 12, 2011 by State Police.

Financial irregularities were first discovered approximately 6 months ago. After a series of meetings with the department’s board Wilson finally admitted to the theft, and pulled a handgun telling the board members he could not live with himself. Members were able to get Wilson to surrender the gun.

Wilson faces three charges: embezzlement, falsifying accounts, and wanton endangerment. According to my records there have been at least 72 cases of theft from volunteer fire companies since 2006 ranging from $10,000 to over $1 million. In each case the theft was committed by treasurers, presidents or fire chiefs.

More on the story.

About Curt Varone

Curt Varone has over 45 years of fire service experience and 35 as a practicing attorney licensed in both Rhode Island and Maine. His background includes 29 years as a career firefighter in Providence (retiring as a Deputy Assistant Chief), as well as volunteer and paid on call experience. He is the author of two books: Legal Considerations for Fire and Emergency Services, (2006, 2nd ed. 2011, 3rd ed. 2014, 4th ed. 2022) and Fire Officer's Legal Handbook (2007), and is a contributing editor for Firehouse Magazine writing the Fire Law column.
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