COLUMBIA, Pa. — The Columbia Borough Fire Department has been fully reimbursed for the $21,135.38 that was stolen or nearly stolen in a recent check fraud scheme, the department says.
The volunteer company announced Nov. 4 that counterfeit checks had been used against its accounts. Department President Jared R. Barninger said at the time that the treasurer caught the fraud, the bank opened an investigation and a police report was filed.
Speaking to Borough Council at its Nov. 5 budget workshop, Barninger said the company had added new safeguards and was hoping the money would be returned. The department has since confirmed it was made whole.
The department has said from the start that nothing indicates any member was involved.
The money is an important part of the volunteer company’s budget. It pays for equipment, training and emergency response, and the department is facing big costs in the years ahead, including new radios, supply hose, turnout gear and a hoped-for new ladder truck.
Anyone with information about the fraud is asked to contact Columbia Borough Police at 717-684-7735.
Earlier coverage: Columbia Borough Fire Department reports more than $21,000 lost in check fraud scheme and Columbia fire company not asking for more money, but warns of lost skill-game income and big bills ahead.