Howardwick fire chief, wife face charges

Two former Howardwick Fire Department officials are facing felony charges this week after an embezzlement investigation resulted in two arrests October 16.

Fire Chief Rickey Parrish and his wife, department treasurer Shella Parrish, were arrested last Friday and booked into the Donley County Jail, according to Sheriff Butch Blackburn.

Mayor Mike Rowland suspended operations of the department last Thursday and asked the sheriff’s office to investigate.

“We still have a viable fire department, but we’ve suspended some operations until the sheriff’s department completes its investigation,” Rowland said.

The Clarendon Volunteer Fire Department has been covering calls for Howardwick since Thursday.

The sheriff said evidence points to thousands of dollars being stolen by the former fire chief and his wife. Both were charged with Theft Over $20,000 & Less Than $30,000, and as Public Servants, those charges were enhanced to second degree felonies, Blackburn said.

Mr. Parrish, age 31, and Mrs. Parrish, age 30, were arraigned by Justice of the Peace Denise Bertrand with bond for each set at $20,000. Both were released on bond Sunday, October 18.

Blackburn would not divulge the amount his department believes has been stolen at the point, saying that that investigation is still ongoing.

Rowland said Mr. Parrish was elected chief by the fire department after former chief Joe Hall resigned for medical reasons in the spring. Parrish then appointed his wife to be the department’s treasurer, Rowland said.

“By all outward appearances he was doing a good job until this came to light,” the mayor said.

Rowland says he’s named Will Jordan as acting fire chief, and the mayor looks for the department to resume full operations soon.

“We’re cooperating with the investigation and hope to be back in operation in a week or so,” he said. “We do greatly appreciate the help of the Clarendon department and of the sheriff’s office.”