Firefighters hope to recover money stolen by scammers

ROCKVILLE, Md. — After being targeted by cybercriminals, the Rockville Volunteer Fire Department is trying to dig itself out of a deep financial hole.

In late April, criminals posing as an RVFD salesman managed to steal more than $200,000 from the fire department. The money was supposed to be used as a down payment for two new ambulances.

Thursday evening, the Rockville VFD held the second of two fundraisers at Giuseppi's Pizza Plus in Rockville to try to recoup some of that lost money.

“What's great about tonight is we saw the greater Rockville community come together tonight and last week to support their volunteer fire department,” said RVFD President Eric Bernard. “We can replace money, but what we can’t replace is the value we have in our community.”

RVFD said that thanks to its bank's quick action, “about half” of what was stolen has been recovered so far.

In a prepared statement, the fire department said:

“RVFD, in conjunction with law enforcement and our bank, is continuing the process of attempting to recover the remaining stolen funds. Additionally, RVFD is implementing even more protective measures to ensure that we remain safe. at the forefront of the fight against identity theft and fires in our community.

Chief Barnard tells WUSA9 that 100% of the funds raised will go toward the purchase of a new ambulance. He says their fundraising efforts have brought in nearly $15,000 so far.

The fire department also encourages anyone wishing to donate to its ambulance recovery fund to visit www.rvfd.org/donate

RELATED: Cyberattack Costs Maryland Volunteer Fire Department More Than $200,000

RELATED: Jury rules bank owes Annandale man $1.5 million for illicit transfers

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