LAKEWOOD - In a press release received Monday from the officers of the Northern Wayne Fire Company, the person responsible for an alleged improper use of Fire Company funds has been identified and removed from further participation/responsibilities with the fire company. The statement did not name the person involved.
"The investigation continues," the statement reads, "and the officers believe that any comment concerning the details of the investigation should come from the law enforcement officials rather than the Fire Company."
Earlier television reports indicated that almost $100,000 is missing over a four-year period and that the FBI is investigating. The FBI office in Philadelphia would not comment on the case but sources close to the investigation reported that the discrepancy was discovered during a routine bank review and a Grand Jury will be convening next week to determine what charges if any will be made. So far no one has been charged.
Wayne County DA Michael Lehutsky said that as far as he knows, neither his office nor the state police have been contacted by Fire Company officials.
The NWFC statement continues and the officers and members want to ensure the public that the investigation will receive the full support of the officers and that steps have been taken to make sure this misuse of funds will not occur again.
The officers note that they have valued the trust and confidence of the community evidence in many ways over the years, including but not limited to the financial support of its services.
The statement concludes, "The officers and members earnestly seek the continued support from the community so that these critical and life saving volunteer services may continue to be offered to the community in which we all live."
The financial situation is the latest in a series of disasters that have struck the Fire Company over the past 19 months. On Nov. 4, 2002, 39-year-old firefighter Edmund Malinski perished battling a structure fire in Preston Township and on Feb. 19, 2003, a portion of the roof of the firehouse collapsed. The fire company is now planning to build a new fire station and hall.
