South Greensburg Fire Chief Accused of Stealing $178K from Department

Authorities say Matthew White used department funds for personal purchases and transfers

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The South Greensburg fire chief, Matthew White, has been arrested and accused of stealing nearly $178,000 from his own fire department. Pennsylvania State Police say their investigation began as a welfare check on White, but uncovered a pattern of theft dating back to 2023 where White allegedly used the department's bank account and debit card for personal purchases and transfers.

Why it matters

This case raises concerns about oversight and financial safeguards within the South Greensburg Fire Department, as the large sum of money allegedly stolen over an extended period suggests a lack of checks and balances that allowed the theft to occur undetected. It also highlights the importance of strong financial controls and accountability measures for public service organizations.

The details

According to state police, the investigation began as a welfare check on White, but while reviewing his bank activity and the department's debit card, they spotted a $3,000 transfer into his personal account. This led them to uncover a pattern of theft totaling nearly $178,000 since 2023, where White allegedly used the fire department's bank account to make purchases labeled as donations before transferring the money to his own Citizens Bank account.

  • The investigation into White's actions began in February 2026 with a welfare check.
  • Authorities say the theft pattern dates back to at least 2023.

The players

Matthew White

The South Greensburg fire chief who has been accused of stealing nearly $178,000 from his own department.

Pennsylvania State Police

The law enforcement agency that uncovered the alleged theft by White during a welfare check and subsequent financial investigation.

South Greensburg Fire Department

The fire department that White served as chief of, from which he is accused of stealing a large sum of money over an extended period.

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What they’re saying

“Our investigation was strictly for his well-being and trying to find Mr. White and make sure he was OK. Dealing with the fire department and trying to find financials to help us locate him, it snowballed into the investigation we have right now.”

— Trooper Steve Limani, Pennsylvania State Police (cbsnews.com)

“It's a large sum of money. That's the part that's scary. How did that amount of money get moved, and I think just having a lack of checks and balances is where that is the stopgap in what caused this, because right now, we don't have any reason to believe somebody else was involved.”

— Trooper Steve Limani, Pennsylvania State Police (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

White is expected to be brought back to Pennsylvania to face charges, and state police say they will continue reviewing financial records to determine if additional charges will be filed.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of strong financial controls and oversight within public service organizations like fire departments, as the alleged theft of nearly $178,000 over an extended period suggests a lack of checks and balances that allowed the misuse of funds to go undetected. It underscores the need for greater accountability measures to prevent such incidents in the future.