HUDSON, MA -- The Hudson Firefighters Relief Association is rising from the ashes after members say more than $60,000 was stolen from the organization's fund by their former chief.
A Channel 5 Investigates report that aired in November cited a police report that referenced missing money from the firefighters' relief fund and a separate investigation over credit card purchases allegedly made by former Fire Chief John Blood – who was placed on administrative leave last April and later retired – and charged to the town.
The association's members said Blood – who had been treasurer of the Hudson Firefighters Relief Association since 1998 – was the only person with access to the money. In 2001, there was more than $60,000 in the fund, but the report indicated that the account had been drained by December 2010.
However, the account's depleted balance wasn't discovered until April, right before Blood was placed on administrative leave, according to the Channel 5 report.
Blood has not been charged, according to the Middlesex County District Attorney's office, but firefighters told Channel 5 they believe he took the money. A police report indicated that there is no way to charge Blood with the thefts because the statute of limitations has expired.
"We trusted him with our life every day," said Hudson fire Lt. Erick Currin, current president of the Hudson Firefighters Relief Association. "We trusted him with our money. He stole from his own family - and that would be us."
Blood couldn't be reached for comment.
The relief association – which was founded in the 1950s – provides stipends to firefighters who were hurt on or off the job and death benefits to families of firefighters who have died. Benefits can be between $300 and $600. At least 12 families have never received benefits dating back several years, said Currin.
The association – which recently elected a new executive board – is now dedicated to replenishing its account and, most importantly, providing those benefits to the families and estates of deceased Hudson firefighters who were part of the organization.
"This group's first commitment is to pay its debts to its heirs," said retired Fire Chief Thomas Garrity, who served as chief from 1986 to 1999. "We will not stop until they are all paid."
Association members raised more than $5,000 at a lobster shoot fundraiser in November. The fund's account is up to $12,500 thanks to the fundraiser, membership dues and donations from the community. The association Tuesday voted to provide death benefits to the families of deceased former chiefs William Collette and Bill Hollick, Deputy Chief John Piecewicz and firefighters Donald Russas and John Purty.
Members are working to provide benefits to families of five other deceased Hudson firefighters and are attempting to connect with two others.
"We're trying to make good on some of the things that were not made good on," said Currin. "We're going to get this going again."
To continue replenishing the fund, the association will hold a fundraiser at Stevie's Eatery and Back Road Café on Main Street on Sunday, Feb. 3, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. A percentage of sales and all tips will go to the association, whose members will serve customers and run the register.
Association members stressed that their fund is separate from any donations made to the Hudson Fire Local 1713 benevolent fund or the yearly Muscular Dystrophy Association Fill the Boot drive.
Memorial Sunday – a tradition held on the second Sunday of June where firefighters gather to honor past members and retirees and network with one another – is also expected to return this year. The association oversaw the event for many years before it was abruptly stopped by Blood in 2004, members said.
"It's really an opportunity to maintain a brotherhood," said fire Lt. Bryan Johannes, a 30-year member of the department.
Members are glad the association is back on its feet and hope to continue aiding fellow firefighters.
"This organization is back in good standing again," said retired Fire Chief Dennis Murphy. "We're trying our best. It broke my heart to know this money was gone."
For more information on the Hudson Firefighters Relief Association, visit www.facebook.com/HudsonFirefighterRelief. To donate to the association, visit www.paypal.me/HFRA or send a check to the Hudson Firefighters Relief Association Fund, 296 Cox St., Hudson, MA 01749.
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