By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
A former Alabama fire chief is facing serious felony charges after investigators say he stole tens of thousands of dollars from a small-town volunteer fire department entrusted to serve its community.
Anthony Westbrook Sr., former chief of the Lucy Volunteer Fire Department, was arrested Thursday and charged with one count of first-degree theft of property and 67 counts of fraudulent use of a debit or credit card, according to the Houston County Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff’s officials said Westbrook is accused of stealing more than $26,000 from the fire department. He was booked into the Houston County Jail, where his total bond was set at $164,000.
Westbrook’s arrest follows a three-month investigation that also resulted in charges against the department’s former secretary. Authorities say the investigation uncovered widespread financial misconduct involving department funds.
In September, Tiffany Allyse Money was arrested and charged after investigators determined she had allegedly stolen more than $40,000 from the Lucy Volunteer Fire Department over a four-year period, according to court records.
Law enforcement officials said the investigation began earlier this year after fire department leaders completed an internal audit in February 2025 and reported their findings to authorities. The audit revealed discrepancies that prompted a deeper review of financial records, leading to criminal charges against both former officials, according to Wiregrass Daily News.
Authorities have not released details on how the stolen money was used but emphasized that the alleged theft represents a serious breach of trust in a department that relies heavily on public support and volunteer service.
The case remains under investigation, and officials say additional information could be released as court proceedings continue.