Its only been a week, but there’s been yet another case of theft in the volunteer fire service – this time in northwest New York state. Robert Kawski, president of the Chautauqua County Fireman’s Fraternity, has been charged with grand larceny and passing bad checks in regards to funds missing from the organization.
The Chautauqua case marks the 76th documented case of major theft in the volunteer service since 2006. To be clear, the 76 cases involve the theft of funds in excess of $10,000 from a volunteer fire department. It does not include 27 additional cases of the theft of smaller amounts, personal property, gasoline, or fire department equipment. It also does not include the numerous cases that go unreported because the department wants to avoid the negative publicity that accompanies such revelations.
A local news story about the theft discusses two other cases of theft that occurred in nearby volunteer fire departments over the past few years, one in 2008 and one earlier this year. The Chautaugua County Firemen’s Fraternity is a fundraising organization for area fire departments.
This is preventable by either requiring the persons having access to the money obtain a bond and having the money records audited annually.
Gary
I agree, it is preventable – and the irony is we are a victim of our own willingness to trust – and care about – others. The caring is what draws us to the fire service. The trust inevitably develops – no FD can function without it – and then the organization becomes the victim.
Bonding the key officers is a great idea – but having those checks and balances in the system is so critical. Internal and external audits are a must!!! Like Reagan said – “trust but verify”. Some think that having those checks and balances means we don’t trust the people in key positions, or that their feelings may be hurt. It is way past the time where we can let those kinds of concerns prevent us from addressing this problem.
And by the way – career firefighter unions are suffering from the same problems (though not as prevelent) – and its probably for the same reasons.