The Great Smoky Mountain Journal

Staff, Wire Reports

Posted: Sunday, January 21, 2018 03:55 PM

Sevier County Fire Chief Warning Residents Against Fake Fire Fighters Going Door-To-Door Asking For Donations

SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. (SOURCE: WVLT) -- Sevier County's Volunteer Fire Chief wants others to know his firefighters are not going door-to-door asking for donations.

Chief Stephen Whaley told Local 8 News Reporter Sarah Jane Anderson it's discouraging, but not uncommon.

Chief Whaley said no one has been scammed yet, but he has received several calls about the fake firefighters.

"The cars that have been showing up from the calls we've been receiving have been Kentucky license plates," he said.

Chief Waley said no one has written down the plate number, but they hope that will be turned into the Sevier County Sheriff's Department.

Lieutenant Jay Breeden told Local 8 News, if someone is caught asking for donations as a fake firefighter, there could be serious consequences.

"Don't misunderstand, if we catch them, they're going to be arrested," he said. "It's theft by deception. You're taking money by trickery, and it's not going to that agency."

Chief Whaley said his firefighters have never gone door-to-door asking for money. They do their fundraising via mail.

He said, if they do go a door on behalf of the station, they will wear Sevier County Volunteer Fire Department shirts and most likely drive a fire or rescue SUV.