Firefighter Charged with Stealing from own Union Funds

A longtime firefighter in New York is now facing criminal charges after he was reportedly stealing money from his department's union.

A Glens Falls Fire Captain is now facing criminal charges following an investigation by the New York State Police.

Richard G. Stafford, 45, of Glens Falls, was arrested February 17, by the NYSP Special Investigations Unit (SIU) and charged with two counts of second-degree Forgery and one count of Petit Larceny.

According to investigators, Stafford is accused of fraudulently writing and cashing two checks connected to the Glens Falls Fire Department union account and keeping the money for personal use. At the time, he was reportedly serving as secretary for the firefighters’ union, a role that gave him access to union financial accounts.

Police say the checks were issued without proper authorization and that the funds were diverted for personal benefit.

Stafford has been employed by the City of Glens Falls Fire Department for approximately 16 years and currently holds the rank of Captain. Following his arrest, city officials placed him on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the case.

Stafford was arraigned in Glens Falls City Court and released on his own recognizance.

The case is being prosecuted by the Warren County District Attorney’s Office.

Additional details about the amount of money allegedly involved have not yet been released.