Fire Chief Fired After Pleading Guilty to Fraud

Monday, November 30, 2015 | 0

Trustees for Bokescreek Township, Ohio fired a fire chief after he pleaded guilty to workers' compensation fraud for collecting benefits from an injury on a previous job while leading the town's fire department.

The township trustees voted Tuesday to strip Fire Chief Don Detrick of his title and rank, despite appeals from family, friends and firefighters that he be allowed to stay in the position.

Luann Davis, chief of the Tri-Valley Fire and EMS Department, said Bokescreek Township had a "top-notch" fire department, that the former fire chief was the reason, according to a report in the Bellefontaine Examiner.

Detrick has been offered a position in the department as a non-ranking member and given two weeks to decide.

The state's Bureau of Workers' Compensation began an investigation into Detrick's activities after receiving a tip he was working while receiving benefits for a workplace injury.

That investigation revealed Detrick worked as the fire chief for Bokescreek Township in Logan County, fire safety coordinator for York Township and as a certified water inspector for Midwest Express while collecting temporary total disability benefits.

Prior to pleading guilty last month to fraud, Detrick paid $25,586.40 to the Clerk of Courts in order to pay in full his restitution of $22,155.04 and investigation costs of $3,431.36.

A judge sentenced him to community control for six months under the condition he pay the restitution and investigation costs, have no new convictions, and pay all court costs.