An assistant fire chief with the Hambden Volunteer Fire Department who also served the fire company’s treasurer as has been accused of embezzling more than $1.5 million from the department and using the money to cover gambling losses.

According to Geauga County Prosecutor’s Office, Assistant Fire Chief Richard Vandevander plead not guilty at his arraignment Monday, August 17, 2026, on felony theft charges. He was not able to make bail, which was set at $50,000. Prosecutors believe the much of the gambling took place at JACK Thistledown Racino.

The Hambden Volunteer Fire Department discovered the missing money in late July. Fire Chief Scott Hildenbrand notified the Geauga County Prosecutor’s Office, secured the department’s bank accounts and submitted claims to two insurance carriers. Chief Hildenbrand, who is also the Geauga County Sheriff, characterized the theft as a “deceitful criminal act.”

According to WOIO Channel 19, the loss left the department without enough operating cash to meet its immediate expenses. On July 30, the Hambden Township Board of Trustees approved a $100,000 advance against funding the township otherwise would have paid the department during the fourth quarter. Chief Hildenbrand indicated that an additional advance could be needed.

The Hambden Volunteer Fire Department is organized as a private nonprofit corporation that contracts with Hambden Township to provide fire protection and emergency medical services. Township officials said they provide the fire company with approximately $800,000 per year, but do not oversee the nonprofit’s spending. The fire company also received state and federal grant funds totaling $9 million for a new firehouse.

The department provides fire and EMS protection to about 4,700 residents. It reported more than 900 emergency responses during the year described in its federal funding request, including more than 350 EMS calls and 80 structure fires.

A Geauga County grand jury indicted Chief Vandevander on felony charges arising from the alleged theft, including aggravated theft, money laundering, falsification in a theft offense, and forgery. The thefts reportedly took place over a three and one-half year period during which he wrote fire company checks payable to himself. For checks requiring two signatures, he forged the second signature.

Various news outlets are reporting the thefts total “more than $1.5” and “$1.6 million.”