HUDSON, N.Y. -- A fourth city volunteer firefighter was suspended Monday from his duties and is under criminal investigation with three others after authorities found several thousand dollars missing from the accounts at C.H. Evans Ladder Company No. 3.
The exact sum of missing money is unknown. Mayor Bill Hallenbeck said only that it was "substantial" and a "very serious theft."
Last week, the city suspended three volunteers after money was found to be missing from a board's funds, donations and a fundraising account over the past year.
The suspended firefighters cannot respond to calls and are barred from fire department headquarters.
The suspended firefighters' identities were not released.
Fire Commissioner Tim Hutchings and Police Commissioner Gary Graziano said the theft is being investigated by the Hudson Police Department.
All the accounts of the company have been frozen while the investigation continues and subpoenas have been issued, Hallenbeck said.
The missing money is from funds controlled by the volunteer company, a separate incorporated nonprofit organization, for events and equipment purchases, the mayor said.
The city is served by three separate volunteer departments, all under the authority of the Hudson Fire Department and its commissioner. Each volunteer department has its own board of commissioners, equipment and bank accounts, Hallenbeck said.
Copyright 2012 - Times Union, Albany, N.Y.
McClatchy-Tribune News Service
