Wind Gap’s assistant fire chief is under investigation for using a fire department’s fuel card to pump more than $800 of gas into a personal vehicle, police said Wednesday.

Logan Kocher’s fate on the Wind Gap Volunteer Fire Company could rest with borough council at its Sept. 6 meeting, said George Hinton, the council president. Fuel cards are in the fire company’s name, but Wind Gap pays the bill with taxpayer dollars, borough Manager Louise Firestone said.

Slate Belt Regional police Chief Jonathon Hoadley said an investigation determined the theft of $815 worth of regular fuel between May and August that was discovered by borough officials. Firetrucks typically run on diesel fuel, he said.

Hoadley, who declined to name Kocher because the investigation remains active, said council will have to vote on whether to direct police to charge Kocher with theft and fraudulent use of an access device, or allow the firefighter to resign and reimburse the borough.

Kocher told investigators he used the card to replenish fuel at a Slate Belt pumping facility while he was undergoing firefighting training in Bethlehem, Hoadley said. But the chief said there are “other issues” that he declined to elaborate regarding the investigation.

Council listed the issue of the theft and improper use of a gas card at an area fueling location under new business in its Aug. 16 minutes. Hinton said there was little discussion on the matter. Council voted 7-0 to direct police to investigate.

Kocher could not be reached for comment. Kocher’s social media page says he lives in Pen Argyl and previously was with the North Bangor Fire Company in Upper Mount Bethel Township.

Fire Chief Kyle Reinert acknowledged the investigation but declined comment.

Hoadley said whenever an incident involves volunteer responders such as firefighters, it’s difficult.

“They are starving for volunteers,” he said. “You hate to have something like this happen. It should never reflect on the entire body, but it kind of gives them a black eye, so to speak.”

Hinton who also serves as fire company treasurer, declined further comment on the investigation. Firefighters held a regularly scheduled meeting Monday, but he would not say what was discussed regarding Kocher or the investigation until the department’s minutes are approved.

Wind Gap’s website said the fire department, which is more than 100 years old, has more than 30 volunteers. Hinton said the members raise virtually all their money for everything from fire equipment to firetrucks.

Contact Morning Call journalist Anthony Salamone at asalamone@mcall.com.

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