The Mount Vernon fire chief and two firefighters have been suspended while police investigate questions about fire department funds. The Mount Vernon assistant fire chief Nathan Goodlove reported “questionable” transactions at the department’s business meeting last night. The investigation was then turned over to the Mount Vernon Police Department to determine if any of the transactions are illegal. Fire Chief Paul Pata and two other firefighters were suspended pending the outcome of the criminal investigation. The fire department has asked for an independent audit of the department’s account to determine the actual loss and to give an explanation to the public.