UPDATE: Warrant reveals details of Hardy fire chief investigation

Updated 12:02 p.m.

A search warrant reveals why State Police agents raided the home of Hardy Volunteer Fire Company Chief Jeff Shifflett on Thursday.

Investigators claim members of the fire company told them that Shifflett was using money intended for the fire department for his and his family’s own uses. The warrant also claims investigators independently verified the information.

The search warrant lists three key pieces of evidence against Shifflett: A Shell gas card, a Visa card, and a Wachovia checking account.

Investigators say records show Shifflett and members of his family used the Shell gas card to buy gas for non-fire company vehicles.

On the Visa card, investigators claim the records show that Shifflett bought a gun from the Vinton Pawn Shop as well as clothes and other items from Gander Mountain (an outdoors sporting goods store) in the Hollins area of Roanoke County. Investigators believe the purchases were not fire department-related.

With the checking account, investigators say Shifflett wrote checks to himself for thousands of dollars for “training.” However, investigators say there are no records for the training. Also, investigators say the checking account records show purchases made at Wal-Mart and other business, as well as cash withdrawals, all without an apparent link to the fire company.

Earlier:

Virginia State Police agents yesterday searched the home and property of Hardy Volunteer Fire Chief Jeff Shiflett as part of an investigation into possible mismanagement of fire company money, officials said.

A State Police spokesman tells us the search warrant was executed Thursday afternoon at 3910 Turner Branch Rd in Bedford County, as part of a criminal investigation.

Bedford County Fire Chief Jack Jones, Jr. confirmed the location is the home of Hardy Volunteer Fire Chief Jeff Shifflett and that the investigation concerns fire company money. Jones wouldn't say how long the possible mismanagement might have been going on or how much money could be involved.

Shifflett has been the company’s chief for more than a decade. Calls to him were not returned.

Jones said he spoke briefly with Shifflett Thursday and said Shifflett is on administrative leave as company chief and deputy fire marshal for Bedford County. Jones said Shifflett is not paid for either position.

State Police would not identify Shifflett or say if he’s charged. They are not releasing any additional information at this time.

A tractor, Jeep and classic car were towed from the property. A moving truck was backed up to the house and a trailer was backed up to the shed. Investigators placed items in both. Investigators searched a fire company truck in the driveway before a firefighter arrived and drove it back to the station. Agents also took photos around the property.

Fire department members met at the Hardy fire house Thursday evening, where they were told of the investigation. Assistant Fire Chief Eric Shell said their main focus is to continue to serve the community.

“It’s extremely hurtful, when number one you’re dealing with personal relationships. We work very closely. We’re a brotherhood here in the fire department. It’s a lot of information to take in," Shell said.