Firefighter steals to feed Gambling Addiction

Firing of Cedar Rapids firefighter upheld

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — The Cedar Rapids Civil Service Commission has upheld the firing of a firefighter who admitted stealing $76 from a fire station kitty.

According to The Gazette of Cedar Rapids, Christopher Slaughter told commissioners Tuesday that he had taken the money from a cash kitty kept in a firefighter's locker. His actions on Dec. 22 were caught on surveillance videotape.

Slaughter said Tuesday that he was fighting depression and a gambling addiction at the time and that he was seeking help with both problems.

Chief Stephen Reid had fired Slaughter. Reid told the commissioners that the public has to trust firefighters who enter their homes and businesses.

Slaughter has pleaded not guilty to criminal charges of burglary and theft. His trial is set for May 9.