KIDDER TOWNSHIP -- The future is uncertain for the Kidder Township Volunteer Fire Company. Wednesday night, members held a special meeting to reorganize leadership roles. It’s a move they hope will keep the fire company alive.
Thursday, Kidder Township supervisors are expected to vote on whether to terminate the relationship with the company.
"I'm hoping it's going to be a positive show for the fire company that we are looking to make changes and that we are trying to move forward and look ahead for the future,” said Robert Hill, president of the fire company.
Amanda Devine was recently charged with stealing more than $30,000 from the fire company’s relief fund. Her husband, Fire Chief John Devine, refused to resign. Instead, he is now the assistant fire chief and the assistant Brett Bellas is now the chief.
"We're just going to alternate responsibilities until we get some kind of resolution to what's going on,” said Devine.
Devine said he can't comment any further about the charges against his wife.
Fire company members say with about 30 firefighters and 9 emergency medical technicians, they are ready and able to help people and they hope township officials make the right decision.
“They're not looking at the department as a whole. We have restructured to the point where we do get out on calls. We do have firefighters here to provide services when a call is made for us. The actions of one person should not destroy the fire company,” said Vice President Carisa Bellas of the fire company.
The Kidder Township Volunteer Fire Company has had scandal in the past, the chief before John Devine was accused of taking money.
