West Virginia Fire Department Members Accused of Forging Documents

The West Virginia Fire Marshal’s Office is accusing members of a volunteer fire department in Wharton with forging state documents.

The office said it has filed felony criminal complaints against fire officer Ira Rash and fire chief Robert Rash of the Wharton-Barrett Volunteer Fire Department.

The filings charge Ira Rash with forgery of a public record and conspiracy, claiming he forged multiple certificates and documents for himself and other members of the department.

The certificates are required by law for fire departments as part of regular reviews of training and equipment.

Officials said the complaint also alleges Robert Rash knew of the altered documents and signed verifications to the state.