A staggering $220,000 was stolen from a Maryland volunteer fire department in a recent cyber-attack, as reported by the Rockville station. The funds, earmarked for the acquisition of two vital ambulances, were siphoned off by criminals masquerading as vendors engaged in procuring the much-needed vehicles.

Elaborate Email Interception

The perpetrators intercepted the wire transfer email thread, subtly altering the bank routing number to reroute the transfer to an account in London. Eric Bernard, president of the Rockville Volunteer Fire Department, explained the intricate deception, stating that the alteration in the email string was so subtle that scrutiny was required to detect the change. Despite the department’s vigilance, the transaction proceeded, with five days elapsing before the vendor inquired about the pending wire transfer.

Partial Recovery Efforts

Fortunately, the vigilant response of the Rockville Volunteer Fire Department led to the recovery of half of the stolen funds. Prompt action was taken, with the Montgomery County Police Department promptly informed of the situation. Additionally, the United States Secret Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation were enlisted to investigate the cyber-attack.

Community Impact and Department’s Resilience

The Rockville Volunteer Fire Department plays a crucial role in providing emergency medical services, with over 80% of its operations dedicated to EMS. Despite the setback, the department remains committed to its mission, as evidenced by its remarkable track record of 14,662 unit responses last year, underscoring its status as one of the nation’s busiest and most dedicated emergency response units.

Community Support and Resilience

The RVFD expressed gratitude for the enduring support of the community, which has enabled it to weather such challenges while maintaining operational efficiency. Leveraging decades of community generosity, the department remains financially resilient, ensuring the completion of the ambulance purchase and the continuity of its essential services.

Replenishing Department Funds

In light of the cyber theft incident, the RVFD has launched an appeal for assistance in replenishing its funds. Interested individuals can contribute by visiting www.rvfd.org/donate. Additionally, a GoFundMe campaign is in the process of being set up to facilitate community contributions, providing an avenue for concerned citizens to support the department’s vital work in serving the community.