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SCHENECTADY---From hero to heel.
An inspector with the Schenectady County Sheriff's Office who was deemed a hero in September for trying unsuccessfully to rescue two children from a burning house, is now accused of stealing money from an evidence locker at the police department.
Richard Vore, a 27-year veteran of law enforcement, has been charged with misdemeanor counts of petty larceny and official misconduct for allegedly taking $133 to pay off a gambling debt. He has been fired from his $55,000 a year position.
Sheriff Harry Buffardi says the incident occurred on Nov. 11 and that when he confronted Vore about it on Nov. 22, that after first denying it, Vore allegedly admitted to Buffardi that he had taken the money but had repaid it. Buffardi says an earring is also missing from the safe but Vore denies having taken it.
Vore, 49, has been with the Schenectady Police Department for two years after completing 25 years with the Albany County Sheriff's Department.
He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Schenectady City Court on Monday.
Vore's attorney has issued a statement that "Inspector Vore will not participate in trial by media, as his accusers have done for their own agenda. He is a hero and a decent man caught up in the web of politics and deceit. In attempting to bring shame upon my client, his accusers will ultimately shame themselves."
On Sept. 19, Vore had run into a blazing house on Strong St. in the city, attempting to save Paul Thomas, 3, and his 23-month old sister, Shadaya Thomas. The children died in the fire. Vore had collapsed and had to be rescued from the building. 12-02-05
© 2005 North
Country Gazette
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