Firefighter's Wife Charged With Embezzling Conference Funds

The wife of a volunteer Madison firefighter has been charged with embezzling more than $11,000 from the fire department's members over several years, police said Tuesday.

Susan Russo booked hotel rooms for members who attended an annual firefighters' convention in Wildwood and allegedly pocketed $11,404 in leftover money instead of refunding it to members, Det. Kenneth Shannon said in a news release.

Police said Russo collected the full amount for the rooms from the membership’s personal funds, but only was responsible for paying the balance of the rooms while another member took care of the deposit. From 2007 to 2012, $11,404 was due back to the membership from Russo that wasn't returned, police alleged.

Russo was arrested Thursday by Det. Lt. Dennis Lam and charged with theft, Shannon said. She was released pending a court appearance.

The Madison Fire Department is a "combination" fire department with paid and volunteer personnel. There are 14 career firefighters and 20 active volunteer firefighters, according to the department's website.

Fire Chief Lou DeRosa declined to comment on anything related to the police investigation.

A message left at a number listed for Russo was not immediately returned.