The former treasurer and secretary of the Terryville Volunteer Fire Department has been suspended amid an investigation into embezzlement allegations.
The fire chief said a recent audit of the fire department’s finances revealed discrepancies in the funds that the department raised through private donations and fundraisers.
That money is used for programs including fire prevention, uniforms and supporting local outreach programs, including Small Wonders and helping several local families at Christmastime, according to fire officials.
“We had been saving up for five years for new uniforms and the money is all gone now. We don’t have enough money to buy a T-shirt,” Terryville Fire Chief Mark Sekorski said.
Sekorski identified the former treasurer and secretary as John Wunsch and said he has been with the department for around 17 years. No charges have been filed.
NBC Connecticut called phone numbers listed for a John Wunsch and left messages, but there was no immediate response.
“We will rectify this situation and do everything in our power to regain the faith and trust of our community,” Sekorski said in a statement. “We also want to make it clear that no taxpayer money is involved in these allegations.”
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“All the money allegedly taken was raised by volunteer members of the Department as well as by friends and supporters,” the statement from Sekorski says.
He said Plymouth police have been notified.
