Three firefighters from Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, are facing charges for allegedly altering records to receive payment for hours they did not work. According to police documents from Lower Paxton Township, Nicholas Kimmel, Ryan Murphy, and Kody Rodkey are accused of manipulating the stipend staffing calendar at Paxtonia Fire Company to falsely report work hours.
Assistant Fire Chief Ryan Murphy, aged 36, reportedly submitted over 20 fraudulent reports between November 1, 2024, and January 2, 2025, resulting in $1,650 in deceptive payments. Captain and company president Nicholas Kimmel, aged 30, and volunteer firefighter Kody Rodkey, aged 25, are also accused of similar fraudulent activities, each allegedly receiving over $800 in unauthorized payments.
The investigation into these activities began in January after authorities received information suggesting the firefighters were reporting hours without being on duty. The fraudulent actions have reportedly cost the department more than $3,000.
All three men are facing multiple charges, including unlawful use of a computer, theft by deception, and tampering with public records. They are scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing on April 7.
Local21 News reported that the fraudulent activities involved the firefighters not being present at the station to respond to calls or perform any duties. The case highlights the importance of maintaining accurate records and oversight within emergency services.