Union Treasurer Accused of Embezzlement

The treasurer of IAFF Local 1695, Clovis (California) Firefighters has been accused of embezzling more than $150,000 from the organization. Captain John Watson has allegedly confessed to the theft and resigned from the Clovis Fire Department.  

Criminal charges have yet to be filed in the case as Captain Watson has made efforts to repay all of the amounts in question.

 

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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