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Oakfield FD releases statement about alleged larceny by treasurer

By Howard B. Owens

Statement by John Igoe, president of the Oakfield Fire Department:

The Oakfield Fire Department is shocked and saddened by the news of the alleged larceny by our Treasurer. We have been cooperating with the authorities including the New York State comptrollers and the State Police during this investigation. The department would like to apologize for the bad publicity and the mistrust that this may cause with the residents of our community, and with the Town and Village of Oakfield. The Oakfield Fire Department is in the process of changing our financial policies to keep this type of activity from happening in the future. We as a department are committed to providing the best service we can to our community, and will strive to work hard to restore your faith in our department.

Scott Blossom

Mark, your answer would be no.

Fire departments have firematics officers and administration officers. The administrative board handles all the business aspects. The chief is in charge of fire fighting operations.

It takes a lot of checks and balances to stay on top of everything. That's why audits are so important. The books can be muddied enough to hide theft of funds from regular reports. I am quite familiar with this type situation and know the new policies that they are implementing.

They found this out in an outside audit, in the situation I dealt with, an odd happenstance alerted us to what was happening.

To the Oakfield Fire Dept, keep your chin up. I have been there and done that. You will be stronger when this all finally comes to a close. Don't apologize for someone elses bad behavior. Your faith and trust has been shaken, not destroyed. The legal chips will fall where they may. And tomorrow is a new day.

You serve your town and surrounding towns very well. One bad apple does not spoil your bushel.

Jun 26, 2014, 11:07pm Permalink
Dave Olsen

Well put Scott; one person's disregard for and betrayal of the trust received from their fellow members does not reflect upon the whole department. This too shall pass.

Jun 27, 2014, 7:01am Permalink

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