Fire Chief James Brooker was fired from his job Wednesday night, following accusations he spent $8,675 of the rural fire district's money on personal expenses and threatened an employee and two board members who investigated the theft.
The board of the Mohawk Valley Rural Fire Protection District voted 4-1 to fire Brooker, chief since 1995. He had been paid $48,000 a year as one of three professional firefighters in the 75-square-mile district. Marcola is several mines northeast of Springfield.
Brooker, who attended the meeting and waived his right to a closed-door hearing, offered no defense and no explanation.
While a dozen community members, friends and firefighters watched the tense half-hour proceeding, the chief sat silently at the back of the small meeting room with his arms crossed.
Brooker, who has been on paid administrative leave during the investigation, also declined comment after the meeting.
