A new commander is stepping in at the Roanoke Valley Rescue Squad after its previous commander was accused of embezzling more than $100,000.
In a Facebook post, the board of directors announced Brian Forbes is taking over the role as the squad develops “new stringent financial protocols” and enhanced oversight.
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Timothy Pittman spent $127, 876.93 on the department's credit card in just under a year, according to arrest warrants.
Roanoke Rapids police said he used the money to pay for his personal utilities, along with other personal expenses. He now faces a felony embezzlement charge.
“The all-volunteer Board of directors is deeply saddened and embarrassed by these events and the breach of trust they represent to the members of the Roanoke Valley Rescue Squad, our business partners that are so vital to operations and most importantly to our community, our neighbors, our friends, and our families who we serve, to you we extend our deepest apologies,” Forbes wrote in the Facebook post.
Forbes said the Board first started noticing financial irregularities in January but “at first thought these where simply accounting mistakes easily made by an unseasoned commander.”
"It was heartbreaking," Forbes said. "It felt like we were betrayed."
However, further internal investigation led the Board to terminate Pittman and go to police.
"These investigations revealed catastrophic damage to the squad’s ability to operate and maintain budget liabilities. The board learned of multiple business partners who have gone unpaid as well,” Forbes wrote.
Current vice chairman Mark Collier said they saw some red flags that led them to terminate Pittman.
“The reluctance to bring properly dated balance sheets to board members … there was always an excuse why," Collier said. "We feel he was only showing the board the amounts he wanted us to see."
Police said they started investigating the incident in early February before officially filing charges against Pittman on March 3. He turned himself in the next day.
Pittman refused to answer questions about his situation when contacted by WRAL on Thursday.
Forbes said future commanders will need to present credit card and bank statements at every board meeting. Credit cards will have lower limits.
“We humbly ask for your patience and understanding as we grow past this devastating time and know the administration of the department is working diligently to implement enhanced oversight measures to safeguard the squad’s future and restore lost confidence in the community we live and serve,” Forbes wrote.
Pittman posted a $250,000 bond and is expected to appear in court on March 10.
