Roanoke Valley Rescue Squad Shakes Up Leadership After $127K Embezzlement

New commander takes over as squad develops financial protocols after previous commander charged with felony embezzlement.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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The Roanoke Valley Rescue Squad in North Carolina has announced a change in leadership after its previous commander, Timothy Pittman, was accused of embezzling more than $127,000 from the organization. Pittman allegedly used the squad's credit card to pay for personal expenses over the course of less than a year. The squad's board of directors has appointed Brian Forbes as the new commander and says it is working to implement 'new stringent financial protocols' and enhanced oversight to restore trust in the community.

Why it matters

The embezzlement case has shaken the Roanoke Valley Rescue Squad, an all-volunteer organization that provides critical emergency services to the local community. The breach of trust and financial mismanagement could undermine public confidence and the squad's ability to effectively operate and serve residents. The leadership change and new financial controls are aimed at addressing these issues and ensuring the squad's long-term viability.

The details

According to arrest warrants, Timothy Pittman spent $127,876.93 on the rescue squad's credit card for his personal expenses, including utility bills. Police began investigating the financial irregularities in early February before officially charging Pittman with felony embezzlement on March 3. Pittman turned himself in the next day and posted a $250,000 bond. The rescue squad's board of directors said they initially thought the issues were just 'accounting mistakes' but a deeper investigation revealed 'catastrophic damage' to the squad's finances, including unpaid bills to business partners.

  • Police began investigating the financial irregularities in early February 2026.
  • Pittman was charged with felony embezzlement on March 3, 2026.
  • Pittman turned himself in on March 4, 2026 and posted a $250,000 bond.
  • Pittman is expected to appear in court on March 10, 2026.

The players

Timothy Pittman

The previous commander of the Roanoke Valley Rescue Squad who is accused of embezzling more than $127,000 from the organization.

Brian Forbes

The new commander of the Roanoke Valley Rescue Squad, appointed by the board of directors to lead the organization after the embezzlement allegations against the previous commander.

Roanoke Valley Rescue Squad

An all-volunteer emergency services organization in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina that provides critical support to the local community.

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What they’re saying

“The all-volunteer Board of directors is deeply saddened and embarrassed by these events and the breach of trust they represent to the members of the Roanoke Valley Rescue Squad, our business partners that are so vital to operations and most importantly to our community, our neighbors, our friends, and our families who we serve, to you we extend our deepest apologies.”

— Brian Forbes, New Commander, Roanoke Valley Rescue Squad (Facebook)

“We humbly ask for your patience and understanding as we grow past this devastating time and know the administration of the department is working diligently to implement enhanced oversight measures to safeguard the squad's future and restore lost confidence in the community we live and serve.”

— Brian Forbes, New Commander, Roanoke Valley Rescue Squad (Facebook)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on March 10, 2026 whether or not to allow Timothy Pittman to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of strong financial controls and oversight, even in volunteer-based organizations that provide critical community services. The Roanoke Valley Rescue Squad's efforts to rebuild trust and implement new protocols will be crucial to ensuring the squad can continue serving residents in the long term.