Former Hambden Volunteer Fire Department assistant chief Richard Vandevander in Chardon, Ohio, is accused of embezzling $1.6 million from the department over three and a half years to cover gambling losses.
Fire Department Assistant Chief Turns Himself In
Richard Vandevander, 59, turned himself in and was arraigned Tuesday, August 18, in Geauga County Common Pleas Court in Ohio on five felony charges. He pleaded not guilty and was released on a personal recognizance bond. As a condition of his release, Vandevander was ordered to surrender his passport, stay out of all gambling establishments, and refrain from accessing department accounts.
Geauga County prosecutors said the evidence against Vandevander is substantial and noted that he has cooperated with law enforcement throughout the investigation. Charging documents allege that he used the stolen funds to finance extensive gambling trips, with “most, if not all” of the activity reportedly taking place at JACK Thistledown Racino in North Randall.
Located about 40 minutes southwest of the Hambden Fire Station, the gaming venue features more than 1,400 video lottery terminals (VLTs). JACK Thistledown is operated by Cleveland-based JACK Entertainment, which is backed by billionaire Dan Gilbert.
According to a release from the Geauga County Prosecutor’s Office, the funds were allegedly embezzled through a series of bank transfers and numerous checks issued between January 2023 and May 2026. Prosecutors allege that Vandevander wrote the checks himself and, when additional signatures were required, forged the names of the other signatories.
Fire Chief Says Vandevander Damaged the Fire Department’s Reputation
Hambden Township fire chief Scott Hildenbrand obviously wasn’t thrilled that Vandevander, who worked as the nonprofit’s treasurer and assistant chief, had allegedly committed the crime. He said that Vandevander had betrayed the department and described him as someone the firefighters had considered a brother and relied on during numerous life-threatening situations. Hildenbrand added that the department works hard to maintain a positive reputation and serve the community, saying Vandevander’s actions had damaged that image.
The Hambden Fire Department had recently secured substantial funding through federal and state grants to support the construction of a new fire station. The project received about $6.7 million in federal funding, along with $2 million from the state of Ohio.
County officials said they do not believe any federal funds were misappropriated, as the money is distributed strictly on a reimbursement basis after construction invoices undergo an audit. Hildenbrand also noted that the department’s state funds are insured against theft.
Construction on the $8.75 million facility began in May this year, with the project expected to be completed in summer 2027.