Ex-Deltana, AK, Fire Chief Sentenced for $441K Theft that Closed Department
A former fire chief, whose theft of funds resulted in the closure of his rural department, was sent to prison last week.
Ex-Rural Deltana Volunteer Fire Chief Michael Paschall admitted to stealing over $400,000 from the department’s accounts.
He was sentenced to three years in prison, with one year suspended, 10 years of probation, and was ordered to pay approximately $441,000 in restitution, KTUU reported.
The day after Alaska state troopers were notified of the suspected theft, Paschall left to take a job in North Carolina.
Four days later, the department had to shut down after officers learned the insurance policies for vehicles and workers' comp had been canceled without their knowledge. It was the chief's job to maintain the documents.
In January 2025, DVFD Fire Chief, Josh Olson told Delta Wind: said: “I am incredibly proud to lead a team of 15 dedicated responders who have remained steadfast in their commitment to serving the Deltana community. Throughout all the challenges, our volunteers have never wavered — they continue to train hard and respond whenever our community needs them most."
He also praised the Delta Junction Fire Department for its support during the trying time.
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Susan Nicol
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Susan Nicol is the news editor for Firehouse.com. She is a life member and active with the Brunswick Volunteer Ambulance & Rescue Company, Oxford Fire Company and Brunswick Vol. Fire Co. Susie has been an EMT in Maryland since 1976. Susie is vice-president of the Frederick County Fire/Rescue Museum. She is on the executive committee of Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association. She also is part of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) Region II EMS Council. Susie is a board member of the American Trauma Society, Maryland Division. Prior to joining the Firehouse team, she was a staff writer for The Frederick News-Post, covering fire, law enforcement, court and legislative issues.