A fire official in Pike County is in hot water after police say he stole nearly $100,000 from the volunteer fire company where he had been treasurer.
Stuart Ferber, 44, of Greene Township is facing felony charges from the alleged theft.
In light of recent allegations made against one of their officers, members of the Promised Land Volunteer Fire Department in Pike County expressed surprise and sadness.
Their former treasurer faces felony charges, accused of ripping off thousands of dollars.
"I really trusted him. He really helped us a lot. He was here all the time," said Assist. Fire Chief Bob Hartman.
"We trusted him," said Chief Terry Walck. "It hurts, it hurts. I speak for the whole company, I believe, that it hurts."
Chief Walck says Stuart Ferber was treasurer from 1998 until he stepped down in January when questions of missing money arose.
After an audit, police allege Ferber stole more than $96,000 from the fire company over the years.
Investigators believe Ferber spent the money in Atlantic City, on camping trips in Mansfield, and at stores in the Greentown area.
"We work on a very, very small budget here and to lose that kind of money is a lot," said Assist. Chief Hartman.
Chief Walck and Assistant Chief Hartman said the money stolen came from funds collected through donations and fundraisers, such as the department's weekly bingo.
"We're hoping that the community will support us again. We're doing our best to make sure it won't happen again," said Hartman. "And we need their support. That's the only way we can go on to provide the services that we provide."
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 7th in Pike County.
Stuart Ferber, 44, of Greene Township is facing felony charges from the alleged theft.
In light of recent allegations made against one of their officers, members of the Promised Land Volunteer Fire Department in Pike County expressed surprise and sadness.
Their former treasurer faces felony charges, accused of ripping off thousands of dollars.
"I really trusted him. He really helped us a lot. He was here all the time," said Assist. Fire Chief Bob Hartman.
"We trusted him," said Chief Terry Walck. "It hurts, it hurts. I speak for the whole company, I believe, that it hurts."
Chief Walck says Stuart Ferber was treasurer from 1998 until he stepped down in January when questions of missing money arose.
After an audit, police allege Ferber stole more than $96,000 from the fire company over the years.
Investigators believe Ferber spent the money in Atlantic City, on camping trips in Mansfield, and at stores in the Greentown area.
"We work on a very, very small budget here and to lose that kind of money is a lot," said Assist. Chief Hartman.
Chief Walck and Assistant Chief Hartman said the money stolen came from funds collected through donations and fundraisers, such as the department's weekly bingo.
"We're hoping that the community will support us again. We're doing our best to make sure it won't happen again," said Hartman. "And we need their support. That's the only way we can go on to provide the services that we provide."
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 7th in Pike County.
