Flint Hill Company 4’s troubled recent history

A Virginia State Police investigator found evidence of possible embezzlement, credit card theft, tax fraud and forgery at the Flint Hill Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company, according to a report recently obtained by the Rappahannock News through a public records request. Read the story here.

A look at the Flint Hill Fire & Rescue Company’s dysfunction and challenges in recent years:

January-February 2020: Rappahannock Board of Supervisors receives informal complaints that Company 4’s requests for reimbursements to the Fire Levy Board contain irregularities, suggesting management problems. Wakefield Supervisor and board chair Debbie Donehey pushes to bolster management and strengthen business practices. 

Feb. 10, 2020: An unknown source notifies Sheriff Connie Compton “in reference to some misuse of funds and illegal documentation” at Company 4, according to a letter Compton submitted to the state police.

March 4, 2020: Special agent for the Virginia State Police logs his first report for an investigation into the fire company’s alleged mismanagement of public funds.

April 2020: Fire Levy Board denies a sweep of reimbursement requests from the Flint Hill fire company, citing anomalies valued at about $18,000, within a total reimbursement request of roughly $55,000.

March 2022: The Virginia Department of Emergency Services issues an unusual decision against renewing the fire company’s license to perform emergency medical services. County officials view the decision to be a bombshell-level rebuke.

November 2022: A “dual dispatch” system is adopted for the Flint Hill region, meaning that another fire company would join the troubled Flint Hill operation in responding to all emergency calls. Emergency Services Coordinator Sean Pollster explains that the new arrangement resulted from the Flint Hill company’s “inability to respond on fire and rescue incidents.” 

December 2022: The Rappahannock County Public Safety Committee recommends that the Board of Supervisors withdraw financial support from the Flint Hill Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company. Compton voices support for the move:  “We have been dealing with this for probably eight, nine years now, and it’s always the same thing. This board needs to make a decision.” Full story

January 2023: Board of Supervisors votes 3-2 to replace the management of the company, appointing David Jarrell as chief. Full story

February 2023: Represented by lawyer David Konick, the ousted leaders of the fire company sue the Board of Supervisors, charging “an attempted hijacking” of the fire company’s authority. The suit initially hobbles Jarrell’s capacity to recruit and train volunteers and rebuild the fire company’s capacity to respond. Full story

June 2023: Circuit Court Judge dismisses the lawsuit, concluding that the Board of Supervisors has clear authority, and an obligation, to intervene to protect public safety and ensure responsible use of public funds. Full story

August 2023: Chief Jarrell resigns. Donehey says the remaining county appointed directors of the fire company will continue working on the plan for revitalizing the operation. Full story

Aug. 22, 2023: Flint Hill fire company members elect a dozen new members, but will continue to operate without a chief until the Board of Supervisors makes an appointment. Full story

Foothills Forum is an independent, community-supported nonprofit tackling the need for in-depth research and reporting on Rappahannock County issues.

The group has an agreement with Rappahannock Media, owner of the Rappahannock News, to present this series and other award-winning reporting projects. More at foothillsforum.org.

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