By Leila Merrill
ROANOKE, Va. — A entire volunteer squad has been suspended while its members are being investigated and may face charges of embezzlement and obtaining money by false pretense, WSLS reported Friday.
The Roanoke County Police Department and the county’s internal auditor are investigating the Hollins Fire and Rescue Volunteer Squad, WFXR reported.
Officials tried to assure residents that Hollins would have fire and EMS coverage.
The county’s public information officer, Amy Whittaker, said the volunteer squad is separate from the Roanoke County Fire and Rescue Department, which provides 24-hour ambulance and fire coverage and has career staffers.
“The volunteer organization hardly responded to many calls for service. The career staff responds to every call,” Whittaker wrote in an email to WFXR News. “Fire and rescue services to citizens in the Hollins area will not be impacted because of the suspension of the volunteers.”