Tipp City firefighter to be charged with theft

Police here plan to file charges against a volunteer firefighter who allegedly stole radio equipment from the city’s fire division and sold the items online.

Charges of theft in office will be filed Friday against Tipp City firefighter/paramedic and building inspector Brandon Wolters, according to Tipp City Sgt. Chris Graham.

Wolters, 26, confessed to stealing seven radio units from his department and selling those items online, Graham said.

The units, which cost $300 each, are usually locked up but they were moved to an unsecured location during renovation work at the firehouse, Graham said.

Wolters allegedly received $500 total from the sales.

Wolters is a volunteer firefighter, but he also works as a fire safety building inspector for which he is paid hourly, according to Tipp City Fire Chief Steve Kessler.

Kessler said he discovered the thefts when he went to get a “pager” for a volunteer and there were none.

Kessler said Wolters will likely be put on administrative leave after the charges are filed.

Wolters also works as a volunteer firefighter for Miami Twp. Fire and Rescue, which serves the Yellow Springs area, according to Wolters’ LinkedIn profile.

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