The firefighter accused of stealing money from a fund at the Public Safety Building has been terminated as a full-time employee of East Pierce Fire and Rescue, effective Aug. 23.

Shane McBane, 28, was arrested July 21 and charged with four counts of theft after a police investigation determined McBane was responsible for more than $400 in cash disappearing from a fund used to purchase life jackets and bike helmets.

Bonney Lake police conducted an investigation including hidden video cameras and marked bills that led to McBane who, during questioning, admitted to taking money from the fund because of “money problems” his family was having.

Following his arrest, McBane, who had been with the department since 2008, was placed on administrative leave while the department conducted an internal investigation.

Following the investigation and a disciplinary hearing, McBane was let go.

McBane and his attorney, Norman Golden, were in court Sept. 8 for a hearing on the theft charges.

McBane and his attorney filed a motion to compromise McBane’s misdemeanor counts of theft, something allowed by Washington state. A compromise would allow McBane to keep his criminal record clean after complying to terms of the victim’s choosing, which in cases like this usually involve paying back the money, paying court costs and other unspecified damages.

In this case the victim is the union representing East Pierce firefighters.

Golden said an agreement was reached with the union and presented the motion to the city Sept. 8. Attorneys for the city told Municipal Court Judge Ron Heslop they needed more time to review the motion.

The hearing was continued until Sept. 22.

In a press release announcing McBane’s dismissal from East Pierce Fire and Rescue, Chief Jerry Thorson assured that no tax dollars were ever at risk and commended the employees who reported the funds missing.

“I am proud of this organization and the dedicated individuals who detected the irregularity and did the right thing,” he said.

“This incident shouldn’t reflect negatively on the organization as a whole,” he said. “Our personnel are dedicated to carrying out our mission of serving and protecting the public.”