Fallston Firefighters To Be Charged In Rape Case: FVFAC

FALLSTON, MD — Four people associated with the Fallston Volunteer Fire and Ambulance Company are being charged with offenses from harassment to attempted rape, according to reports.

The charges were filed on Friday, Dec. 8, and stemmed from incidents involving three current members of the fire company and one former member, according to a statement from FVFAC.

The chief of the all-volunteer organization brought the allegations to the attention of the Harford County Sheriff's Office immediately upon learning of the potential criminal conduct involving its members two weeks ago, the statement said. An investigation ensued and charges followed.

The four individuals charged were linked to an attempted sexual assault over the summer and a harassment case on Nov. 22, according to WJZ. The victim was a 17-year-old member of the fire and ambulance company, and the identities of the suspects will be released once they are officially charged, the TV station reported.

"Personally, I am both angry and disgusted by the assertions, as the alleged behavior is not acceptable by any standard, particularly the highly principled threshold we demand among our members," Chief Will Rosenberg said in a statement to the media.

The three current members have been suspended from the Fallston Volunteer Fire and Ambulance Company, from which officials said they had been members for less than five years. The former member was with the company less than six-and-a-half years, company officials reported.

Full statement from Fallston Volunteer Fire and Ambulance Company Chief Will Rosenberg:

“Our very assertive posture will continue, as we remain focused and vigilant in rooting out and removing
anyone from our ranks who engages in illegal, immoral or unethical behavior. It simply won't be
tolerated, everyone is accountable. Personally, I am both angry and disgusted by the assertions as the alleged behavior is not acceptable by any standard, particularly the highly principled threshold we demand among our members.

"Fallston Volunteer Fire and Ambulance Company service has not been interrupted and we continue to fulfill our mission of serving and protecting the community through the administration of fire, rescue and EMS services—an unwavering commitment many have had since the company was founded more than 40 years ago. While we anticipate and fully understand requests for more substantive media interviews, we will not release any additional information – we must remain respectful to the integrity of the criminal justice process. Thank you for your patience and understanding our stance. There is nothing more important to both our internal and external community than trust and I will continue to do everything in my power to transparently uphold that firm commitment.”

Image via Shutterstock.