Pennsylvania Firefighters Learn to Spot Arsonist among Members

It is part of an effort to educate firefighters about arsonists among them.

In Stroud Township, Monrtoe County dozens of firefighters gathered for a special presentation by the Pennsylvania Association of Arson Investigators.

“The firefighters know their brother and sister firefighters and if their gut is telling them that something is not right with one or two of their own, chances are they’re on the right track and they need to report that,” said Trooper David Klitch, a fire marshal who delivered the three hour presentation.

Firefighters at the meeting said it is important information, learning to look for one of their own who may be starting fires.

“I just want to make sure we try to keep an upper hand on what’s happening,” said Stroud Township Fire Chief David Smalley.

“It’s hard to think that somebody you actually rely upon and trust to go into a burning building with would actually do something like that, but it’s good to know the signs to find out the signs,” said firefighter Chris Martin.

Recently, a group of former firefighters in Schuylkill County were sentenced for an arson ring. Police said they set more than a dozen blazes in 2009 and 2010.

A firefighter and the wife of a former fire chief in Colombia County were also arrested, charged and sentenced in connection with a strong of fires, and a volunteer firefighter was charged and sentenced for torching a well known restaurant in Susquehanna County.

“Some of those cases are a direct result of this training program. There are successes that come out of this program,” said Trooper Klitch.

Monday night’s presentation was three hours long. Klitch said he travels all over the country with the presentation. He will be in Bradford County on Thursday.