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SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
A deputy fire chief at the Yellowknife fire department is facing multiple criminal charges in British Columbia, including an accusation that he misappropriated more than $150,000 in funds while he was treasurer of the Vancouver Fire Fighters Concert and Marching Band Society.

Jason Davidson has been charged with one count of theft over $5,000, one count of fraud over $5,000 and one count of using a forged document.

Mayor Gord Van Tighem said he was well aware of Davidson's legal issues when Davidson was hired as deputy fire chief.

"He provided full disclosure during the time that he was being interviewed for the position," Van Tighem said yesterday. "Still, to this point there are allegations, but in our country people are presumed innocent unless proven guilty."

Davidson served as treasurer for the marching band society between February 2003 and October 2008. He resigned as a firefighter with Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services in April 2009. Davidson joined the Yellowknife fire department in 2010.

The marching band has since fallen out of favour with the Vancouver fire department and the City of Vancouver.

"Because of a lot of activities that were going on with what was then known as the Vancouver Fire Fighters Band, our fire department and the City of Vancouver severed all ties with them," said Gabe Roder, captain with Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services.

Some of the activities that led to the split are related to this court case, and other incidents are also before the courts, said Roder.

The Vancouver fire department has since formed a new musical band, though they are under the strict supervision of the fire chief.

Roder knows Davidson and they worked with the fire department at the same time, but he would not comment on Davidson's service other than to say he was employed as a firefighter from June 1999 to April 2009.

"Because this matter is before the courts, there are a lot of things I can't say," said Roder.

The Vancouver Police Department was also tight-lipped about the case.

"The investigation has concluded and Mr. Davidson is the only person being charged," stated Const. Lindsey Houghton, media relations officer with the Vancouver Police Department, in a written response to Yellowknifer. "We cannot speak to any specific details as they form evidence that will be discussed during the court process."

Officials at the Yellowknife fire department declined to comment on the case, and Davidson could not be reached as of press time.

His case is scheduled to be discussed in British Columbia provincial court tomorrow at 9:30 a.m. Davidson is scheduled to make his first appearance in court on March 5, according to the Vancouver Crown prosecutors' office.

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