The wife of the fire chief of the Kidder Township Fire Department has been charged with stealing nearly $33,000 from the township volunteer fire company's Firemen's Relief Association.

Amanda Devine, 32, of 203 Erie St., White Haven, was arraigned Wednesday before District Judge Edward Lewis of Jim Thorpe on charges of theft by unlawful taking or disposition, and receiving stolen property.

Devine was accompanied to her arraignment by her husband, Kidder Township Volunteer Fire Company Chief John Devine.

She told Lewis she is unemployed, has three children, one a 15-month-old child, and suffers from Multiple Sclerosis and Fibromyalgia.

Devine also told Lewis she has a court hearing Friday on welfare fraud charges in Luzerne County.

Lewis set Devine's bail at $32,000 unsecured because he said she's been very cooperative with the township police department.

On Tuesday, the township board of supervisors voted to advertise an ordinance to decertify the fire company in light of the investigation by township police.

Devine is scheduled to have a preliminary hearing at 10:30 a.m. Sept. 16 before District Judge Joseph Homanko of Weatherly.