Cops: PA Firefighter Used Department's Card to Fill Up

Police have formally charged a Northampton County volunteer firefighter with stealing more than $800 in gasoline from a taxpayer-funded, borough-provided fuel card.

Logan J. Kocher, who had been assistant Wind Gap Fire Company chief, is accused by Slate Belt Regional Police of theft and fraudulent use of an access device, both misdemeanors. He was arraigned Tuesday by District Judge Alicia R. Zito in Roseto and released on $15,000 bail, pending further court action. Records show Kocher waived his right to a preliminary hearing, sending the charges automatically to Northampton County Court.

Slate Belt Regional Police Chief Jonathon Hoadley, who filed the charges, said an investigation determined Kocher stole $815.42 worth of regular fuel between May 19 and Aug. 14 while filling up his vehicle at a Plainfield Township fueling location. Firetrucks typically run on diesel fuel, he previously said.

The fuel cards are in the fire company’s name, but Wind Gap pays the bill with taxpayer dollars, borough officials have said.

Kocher could not be reached for comment, and his attorney, Steven R. Mills, was unavailable for comment.

Wind Gap Chief Kyle Reinert said Wednesday that Kocher resigned from the fire department following a special meeting held Aug. 22 by the department.

According to a criminal affidavit:

Kocher, 25, of the 100 block of South Schanck Avenue in Pen Argyl, told the police chief he filled up his vehicle to travel to emergency medical responder training in Bethlehem for three months. The training included sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays, plus an unspecified number of optional classes.

Kocher told police he did not have permission to use the fuel card and failed to obtain permission from Reinert to use it. He said he had no “malicious intent” in using the card to obtain gas for his vehicle but did not take responsibility during the fire company meeting because he was embarrassed about his “financial state.”

Council voted 6-1 on Sept. 6 to have police file charges against Kocher. The vote followed an executive session Sept. 1 for council to review Hoadley’s report. In addition, council heard from borough manager Louise Firestone, who originally caught the discrepancy in the fuel charges, and its solicitor, Ron Karasek.

Kocher’s social media page said he formerly served with the North Bangor Fire Company in Upper Mount Bethel Township.

Morning Call journalist Anthony Salamone can be reached at [email protected].

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