ROCKVILLE, Md. — After being targeted by cyber-criminals, the Rockville Volunteer Fire Department is trying to dig itself out of a deep financial hole.
In late April, criminals impersonating an RVFD vendor were able to steal more than $200,000 from the fire department. The money was supposed to be a down payment for two new ambulances.
On Thursday night, the Rockville VFD hosted the second of two fundraisers at Giuseppi's Pizza Plus in Rockville trying to recoup some of that lost money.
"What's awesome tonight is that we've seen the Rockville greater community come out tonight, and last week, supporting 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 due to the quick action of their bank, "about half" of what was stolen has been recovered so far.
In a prepared statement, the fire department said:
"RVFD, working with law enforcement and our bank, continue the process of attempting to recover the remaining stolen funds. Additionally, RVFD is further implementing even more safeguards to ensure that we remain at the forefront of fighting both identity theft and fires in our community."
Chief Barnard tells WUSA9 that 100% of the funds raised will go towards the new ambulance purchase. He says their fundraising efforts have brought in close to $15,000 so far.
The fire department also encourages anyone who wishes to donate to their Ambulance Recovery Fund to visit www.rvfd.org/donate
Do you have a news tip on this story or any other story? We want to hear from you. Tell us about it by emailing newstips@wusa9.com.
MORE WAYS TO GET WUSA9
DOWNLOAD THE WUSA9 APP
Apple App Store: WUSA9 News on Apple
Google Play Store: WUSA9 News on Android
HOW TO ADD THE FREE WUSA9+ APP TO YOUR STREAMING DEVICE
ROKU: add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching for WUSA9.
For both Apple TV and Fire TV, search for "WUSA9" to find the free app to add to your account. Another option for Fire TV is to have the app delivered directly to your Fire TV through Amazon.
SIGN UP TO RECEIVE WUSA9 NEWSLETTER
Subscribe to our daily WUSA9 Newsletter for top stories from WUSA9 curated daily just for you. Get content and information right now for can’t-miss stories, Commanders content, weather, and more delivered right to your inbox.