NJ Fire Chief and Firefighter Charged As Fire Company Closed

Posted by: Curt Varone October 1, 2020 0

Two members of a New Jersey fire company have been arrested and the fire company shuttered as authorities investigate allegation of financial improprieties. Mizpah Fire Chief Jay Davenport II and Craig Paxton have been charged with official misconduct, conspiracy and theft, according to Atlantic County Prosecutor Damon G. Tyner.

The Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office of Professional Standards and Accountability along with the Hamilton Township Police Department are leading the criminal investigation, while local officials from Hamilton Township have launched own investigation into the Mizpah Volunteer Fire Company. In the interim, the fire company has been closed, at its assets seized by the township.

Hamilton Township Police Chief Greg Ciambrone has reportedly coordinated with area mutual aid fire departments to ensure coverage for the Mizpah area. More on the story.

Here is coverage from earlier this week of the fire company closure:

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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