UPDATE, Nov. 9: The Columbia Borough Fire Department has been fully reimbursed for the $21,135.38. Read the follow-up story.
COLUMBIA, Pa. — The Columbia Borough Fire Department says it was recently the victim of check fraud that resulted in the theft or attempted theft of $21,135.38 from department funds.
In a public statement released Nov. 4, department President Jared R. Barninger said the incident involved counterfeit checks and has been reported to the appropriate authorities for investigation. The department said there is currently no information indicating wrongdoing or involvement by any department member.
The loss is a significant blow to the volunteer organization, which relies on local government support, community fundraisers, organizational contributions and private donations to pay for its operations.
“These funds are essential to maintaining our emergency response capabilities, purchasing and maintaining equipment, providing training, and ensuring the safety of the community we serve,” the department said. “The loss of these resources directly impacts our ability to support those efforts.”
The department acknowledged that news of stolen public-safety money understandably causes frustration and concern. It said it remains committed to its mission and is taking steps to safeguard its resources and protect the funds entrusted to it.
The department is also urging other nonprofit organizations to stay vigilant and review their financial safeguards against similar fraud.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact local law enforcement.
The department said it shared the information in the interest of transparency and thanked the community and its partners for their continued support.
The Columbia Chronicle will continue to follow this story and provide updates as more information becomes available.
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