Boone firefighters charged by fire marshal

The state Fire Marshal’s Office alleges two volunteer firefighters in Boone County broke the law. Felony criminal charges were filed Monday against Wharton-Barrett VFD officer Ira Rash and fire chief Robert Rash.

Acting state Fire Marshal Tony Carrico said Ira Rash forged training and equipment certificates and documents for himself and other firefighters and Chief Rash signed off on the paperwork. The criminal charges include forgery and conspiracy.

“No person in this office enjoys charging a firefighter with a felony,” Carrico said in a news release. “However, the law requires minimum standards to be met by fire officers and the public expects it.”

Carrico added the charges should send a message to those regulated by his office.

“All of the fire service community shares the responsibility to keep our communities safe. That begins with obtaining the required minimum training,” Carrico said.