‘He Stabbed Us in the Back and Front’: Fire Chief on Firefighter Accused of Stealing $1.6M to Gamble

Hambden Township Fire Chief Scott Hildenbrand didn’t hold back when asked by local media in Geauga County about his longtime assistant chief being accused of stealing $1.6 million to cover his vast gambling losses. Former Hambden Volunteer Fire Department Assistant Chief Richard Vandevander is accused of stealing $1.6 million from the Ohio nonprofit over a 3.5-year period. Vandevander is facing five felony counts in Geauga County. (Image: Hambden Volunteer Fire Department) Richard Vandevander, 59, spent nearly four decades with the Hambden Volunteer Fire Department before his abrupt resignation in late July 2026. Vandevander, who had 38 years in the fire department and most recently served as the nonprofit’s treasurer and assistant chief to Hildenbrand, turned himself in and was arraigned on Monday (Aug. 17) in Geauga County Common Pleas Court on five felony charges. Prosecutors allege Vandevander abused his position to embezzle approximately $1.6 million from the fire department between January 2023 and May 2026, transferring funds and writing checks from the Hambden Fire Department to accounts he controlled. He stabbed us in the back and in the front. I can’t believe that this is a guy who called himself a brother, a brother we depended on in many life-threatening situations.” Hambden Township Fire Chief Scott Hildenbrand “We work very hard to keep a good image. We work very hard to help the community. And he’s destroyed that,” Hildenbrand continued. Among the felony charges against Vandevander are first-degree telecommunications fraud and aggravated theft, which both carry potential prison sentences of three to 11 years. Gambling Addiction Ignited Theft Vandevander pleaded not guilty on Monday and was released on a personal recognizance bond. He surrendered his passport and must not consume alcohol or any non-prescribed drug or medication. Geauga County prosecutors say the evidence is overwhelming, and despite his not-guilty plea, report that Vandevander has been cooperative in the investigation. Hildenbrand, who was the first to notice the financial discrepancies and reported the possible theft to prosecutors, said Vandevander admitted to stealing a “large amount of money.” Charging documents allege that Vandevander used the stolen money to pay for his gambling trips, with “most, if not all,” of the gambling occurring at the JACK Thistledown Racino in North Randall. The gaming venue, which is about a 40-minute drive southwest from the Hambden Fire Station, features 1,500 slot-like video lottery terminals (VLTs). JACK Thistledown is operated by Cleveland-based JACK Entertainment, a regional gaming and hospitality company founded by Rocket Mortgage billionaire Dan Gilbert. The Cleveland Cavaliers owner sold the business in 2020 to the company’s management team. Fire Department Funds Secure The Hambden Fire Department was flush with cash through federal and state grants to help the volunteer unit design and construct a new fire station. Federal funds totaled about $6.7 million, with the state allocating $2 million. County officials do not believe any of the federal money was stolen, as the funds are only released after construction bills are submitted. The state money is insured against theft, Hildenbrand said. Construction began in May, with the $8.75 million project slated for completion next summer. The post ‘He Stabbed Us in the Back and Front’: Fire Chief on Firefighter Accused of Stealing $1.6M to Gamble appeared first on Casino.org.