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Former Evansville Fire Chief Faces Charges

Recently appointed Evansville Fire Department Chief Paul Anslinger was assistant chief for 12 years under Michael Connolly, who retired abruptly last week. Anslinger said there would be no big changes to leadership style, but a continuation of current efforts.
Tim Jagielo
/
WNIN News
Former Evansville Fire Chief Paul Anslinger speaks to reporters in this file photo

Paul Anslinger resigned in April amid an audit of EFD equipment and purchases

A former Evansville fire chief faces charges of theft and official misconduct. WNIN’s John Gibson has details:

Evansville Police say the Fire Department’s administration contacted the EPD in April about discrepancies found during internal equipment and financial audits.

EPD Sgt. Trudy Day says the fire department found records of equipment that was unaccounted for and questionable transactions.

Day says the purchases and transactions were made by the now retired Fire Chief Paul Anslinger.

An arrest warrant for Anslinger was obtained by the EPD’s Financial Crimes Unit.

Day says Anslinger has been charged with three counts of theft and one count of official misconduct.

The chief stepped down in April after being presented with a “notice of discipline.”

Anslinger served as interim chief from September 2023 to January 2024 after chief Mike Connelly suddenly resigned amid accusations he had had secretly videoed a subordinate without their consent.