Camco Fire Police Deputy Chief Charged with Theft

A deputy chief of the Camden County fire police was charged Thursday with stealing $500 of gasoline from a county pump in Gloucester Township.

John Murrow, 59, of Somerdale, was charged with theft by unlawful taking, according to the Camden County Prosecutor's Office. The fire police are volunteers who assist with traffic control and safety at fires and areas with police activity.

The county maintains fueling stations for vehicles being driven for county business. Video surveillance captured images of Murrow fueling his county-issued vehicle at a station in Gloucester Township and several gas containers he stored in the back seat of the vehicle. Murrow is accused of filling those containers with fuel for personal use. The investigation is ongoing but it appears Murrow took for personal use thousands of dollars worth of gasoline, the prosecutor's office said.

The investigation was initiated after county officials conducted an audit of fuel use and noticed Murrow’s fuel consumption noticeably exceeded the amount used by other fire police personnel. County officials brought the results of the audit to law enforcement.

"This type of behavior will not be tolerated by the Freeholder Board and anyone who tries to steal public resources will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," Camden County Freeholder Scott McCray said.

Murrow, who has worked for the county for more than 30 years, was suspended with intent to terminate pending the outcome of this case.