Former North Patchogue Fire District Manager Charged With Grand Larceny

A former manager for the North Patchogue Fire District used a district-issued credit card to buy over $5,000 of apparel and sneakers and to pay personal cell phone bills, Suffolk County District Attorney Thomas Spota said Wednesday.

John Drews, of Sound Beach, pleaded not guilty Monday to charges of third degree grand larceny, defrauding the government and official misconduct. He was released on his own recognizance.

Drews, 46, served as district manger for the North Patchogue Fire District from 2003 until he resigned in December 2013, Spota said. In that position, Drews supervised paid employees, maintained property and purchased firematic equipment, Spota said.

Drews is an assistant chief with the Sound Beach Fire Department, according to his LinkedIn profile and the fire department’s website.

SCDA Photo: John Drews

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