Local News
NFDL PFC Accepts Zmuda Resignation
The North Fond du Lac Police and Fire
Commission unanimously accepted the resignation of former Fire Chief Richard
Zmuda Monday afternoon. He tendered it last week after he was taken into custody
wanted on theft charges in Bradford, Pennsylvania where he lived prior to being
hired as village fire chief last month. Commissioner Jim Frank asked the burning
question, “How did he keep everying that was hidden so long?” Village
Administrator Chuck Hornung says the police department did a criminal background
check and he called Zmuda’s references. He says they had no way of
knowing. Police Chief Darren Pautsch says unless a
person has been adjudicated or convicted a criminal background check is not
going to show a person is being investigated. But he feels if Zmuda knew he was
being investigated he should have let the village know during the hiring
process. Hornung says it’s unfortunate because Zmuda
seemed to be doing a good job for the village. He says Zmuda may have had a
future with the village, but it’s beyond that now and they have to move on.
Zmuda is accused of stealing
nearly $48,000 from an elderly aunt who had entrusted him with money from an
insurance policy.
Commission unanimously accepted the resignation of former Fire Chief Richard
Zmuda Monday afternoon. He tendered it last week after he was taken into custody
wanted on theft charges in Bradford, Pennsylvania where he lived prior to being
hired as village fire chief last month. Commissioner Jim Frank asked the burning
question, “How did he keep everying that was hidden so long?” Village
Administrator Chuck Hornung says the police department did a criminal background
check and he called Zmuda’s references. He says they had no way of
knowing. Police Chief Darren Pautsch says unless a
person has been adjudicated or convicted a criminal background check is not
going to show a person is being investigated. But he feels if Zmuda knew he was
being investigated he should have let the village know during the hiring
process. Hornung says it’s unfortunate because Zmuda
seemed to be doing a good job for the village. He says Zmuda may have had a
future with the village, but it’s beyond that now and they have to move on.
Zmuda is accused of stealing
nearly $48,000 from an elderly aunt who had entrusted him with money from an
insurance policy.