BONNEY LAKE, Wash.
--
An East Pierce Fire and Rescue firefighter was arrested and placed on leave after allegedly stealing money from the Fire Department, said Fire Chief Jerry E. Thorson.
Bonney Lake police arrested Shane McBane on July 20 and charged him with four counts of theft, according to a press release from East Pierce Fire and Rescue.
During the week of July 5, department members told authorities they noticed a small amount of money missing from the proceeds of bike helmet and life jacket sales.
The fire district sells the helmets and life jackets to the public and keeps a small amount of the proceeds from the sales in the department to make change when people buy more of the items.
When department personnel noticed that money was missing, they alerted Bonney Lake police, whose investigation led to McBanes arrest.
Upon his arrest, East Pierce Fire and Rescue placed McBane on administrative leave, where he will remain while the Fire District conducts an internal investigation, said Thorson.
He added that part of the investigation will examine what changes need to be made with regard to sales of safety equipment to the public.
"While we need to let Shane McBane go through the legal process, and our internal personnel investigation, it's important to keep in mind that we have a strong department filled with dedicated members that work very hard to earn and maintain the public trust, we will continue to do that every day," said Thorson.
Copyright 2010 by KIROTV.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
