WALTHAM, MA -- A longtime member of the fire department has been placed on paid administrative leave pending the result of a police investigation into the theft of about $18,000 from the firefighters' union.
Detective Sgt. Tim King said a member of the fire department has been under investigation since January when police received an anonymous tip about the missing money.
King would not give specifics on the investigation and did not release the firefighter's name or rank.
Mayor Jeannette McCarthy confirmed a member of the fire department is under police investigation and was placed on paid administrative leave yesterday. She also would not identify the firefighter.
King said the incident is under investigation and police have been working with the Middlesex District Attorney's Office. He said Attorney General Tom Reilly's office has also been notified.
"The matter will be reviewed by the DA's office," King said.
Middlesex District Attorney's Office spokeswoman Emily LaGrassa said she could not comment on an investigation unless someone is charged with a crime. The firefighter has not been charged in the incident.
Fire Chief Thomas Keough would not comment on the investigation or the status of his firefighter's employment. Several other firefighters, including newly elected union President Robert Marshall, also refused comment.
The union elected Marshall earlier this month.
