Audit reveals fire department used funds to pay for TVs, luggage

Mary Beth Sallee

Reporter, Hart County News-Herald

 

A routine audit of the Horse Cave Volunteer Fire Department has revealed that an account maintained for the department, with funds belonging to the City and intended for the benefit of the Fire Department, was used to pay for a funeral, grave openings, three cell phones, TV sets, rocking chairs, and luggage, among other items.

In a letter addressed to Horse Cave Mayor Randall Curry and City Clerk Joy Bennett on April 13, Fire Commission Auditor Eric Bach wrote, “As you are aware, the fire department does have an account under the name ‘Friends of Horse Cave FD’ at South Central Bank. When I first began this audit, I was informed by Chief (Donnie) Parker and Tommy Larimore that no such account existed.”

“Also, more membership appreciation checks have been written, which I need to do a little more research on,” Bach’s letter continued. “Items included luggage, coffee makers, mixers, and speakers to name a few. Also several rocking chairs, a stove, several expensive TVs, and several expensive headsets and ear buds.”

All audit findings have been submitted to the Office of Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron.

On May 27, Mayor Curry had officially notified Fire Chief Donnie Parker of his suspension without pay. Adam Sloan is the current acting Chief of the Horse Cave Fire Department.

This is an ongoing investigation. As of press time, no one had been charged with any crime.