Pennsylvania Chief Charged With Stealing $84k From Fire Department

Posted by: Curt Varone April 5, 2020 1 Comment

A Pennsylvania Fire Chief is facing multiple felony charges over allegations that he stole more than $84,000 from his fire department. Fire Chief Adam Kauer of the East Carnegie Volunteer Fire Department is accused of stealing the money over an extended period of time between 2012 and 2019.

Police claim Chief Kauer used the department’s credit card for personal reasons over 300 times, and obtained 71 checks which he used for non-fire department purposes, including 25 of which he allegedly forged. The funds paid for things like a Royal Caribbean cruise, car payments, dinners, and “hand money” to purchase a new home.

Chief Kauer has been suspended, and an interim chief appointed.

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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