Oklahoma Fire Chief Arrested in New Mexico

The missing fire chief from the Terlton Volunteer Fire Department in Pawnee County, Oklahoma has been arrested in New Mexico. Chief Charles Badgwell is wanted in connection with the embezzlement of fire company funds.

Chief Badgwell was arrested last Friday along with his girlfriend, Janet Kirby, by police in Luna County. They are awaiting extradition back to Oklahoma.

 

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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