By Adam Brandolph
The Pittsburgh Tribune Review
CRAFTON, Pa. — The Crafton Volunteer Fire Department has suspended an official indefinitely while Allegheny County Police continue their investigation into accusations he misused department money.
The department has removed Rich Crown, 44, of Crafton as its assistant chief and treasurer, according to a statement on the department’s website.
“The CVFD is deeply saddened by these developments, but we have contained the situation internally and are fully cooperating with the authorities. We completely understand and appreciate the concerns that this raises among the members of our community, because we share those concerns,” the statement said.
County police said they are investigating Crown for possible misappropriation of the fire department’s money. The investigation began about four months after two officials in Jackson said he took money from the township — where he worked as the manager — and then returned it.
Crown could not be reached for comment on Thursday. He previously declined comment on the case.
Crown resigned last month as borough manager in Rochester a week after being hired. He served as Crafton manager from about 1998 until 2001 and was manager in Cecil from May 2001 until his resignation in March 2005. Jackson hired him later that year.
County police Sgt. Ann Lewis said the investigation in Crafton is unrelated to the issue in Jackson and is likely to take several more weeks.
Crafton fire officials said in the statement that they want to ensure supporters and residents that they are “careful stewards of your donations and trust.” The department serves residents in Crafton, Rosslyn Farms and Thornburg.
“Please keep in perspective that the investigation involves the alleged actions of one individual and not the entire department,” the statement said.
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