In response to a exclusive story published Tuesday by Lower Bucks Source regarding on leave -Newportville Fire Company Chief Fred Black, Bristol Township solicitor Randall Flager said the township was informed of the probe after council voted to increase the fire tax by one mill last month.
Black is under investigation by county authorities, sources told the publication, for the misuse of fire company funds, however, Lower Bucks Source has yet to confirm those five reports with investigators.
“The township was made aware of that an investigation was going on but because of the nature of the matter very little detailed information was provided because it’s still an active case.”
Credit: Flager and Associates
Flager said no one on council or in administration had any knowledge of the probe before the council vote to raise the fire tax millage.
“Bristol Township fully supports the men and women volunteer firefighters who run into burning homes and businesses and not away from them to save lives. It’s unfortunate in this instance the timing of the vote and the knowledge of the investigation of one person appear to be related. They are not in any way connected and the township wants to be clear and transparent on that,” Flager said.
The investigation and its ramifications spread like an out-of-control brushfire as tips come in on what investigators are probing; as of publication time, LBS is reviewing records and source materials seeking to confirm the nature and origins provided to the publication since New Year’s Eve.
Meanwhile, District Attorney Spokesman Manuel Gamiz said Thursday, his office is gathering information about this case and will respond once there is information that can be released.
Credit: Newportville Fire Company