Johnstown -- Once again Johnstown's Thunder in the Valley is burdened with controversy, after criminal charges are filed against two local fire departments. Channel 6 has obtained four criminal complaints against firefighters from Oakland and Lorain Borough Volunteer Fire Companies. They allege the group sold beer to an undercover officer from the Liquor Control Board at 10 am on a Sunday. However, the permit clearly states that beer can not be sold until 11 am on Sundays. Ironically, the same fire companies were involved in the mishap last year in which several CVB organizers were charged with mishandling beer funds meant for the fire companies.

The Oakland Volunteer Fire Department gave this statement..."We are working with the PLCB to resolve this issue. We took great strides to clear up the confusion of last year and were successful in that endeavor....The residents of Oakland can rest assured that we are 100% confident that this matter will be resolved and we will continue to serve our public."

According to the complaints, each of the firefighters charged signed for the special occasion permit and authorized the sale of the alcohol.