Pocono News Section

Former Scranton Firefighter Arrested on Arson Charges

Former Scranton Firefighter Arrested on Arson Charges - Thursday, January 21, 2010 at 6:33PM EST

Reported by: Eric Deabill
Thursday, Jan 21, 2010 @ 06:33pm EST
SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY - A former Scranton firefighter who once helped protect his community is now accused of putting people in danger.

Thomas Gervasi of Madison Township turned himself into state police around 2:00 PM Thursday afternoon. He was then slapped with 14 counts of arson and other charges. He allegedly set fire to his garage on Mark Avenue that spread to neighboring homes on June 17, 2008.

Three people, including an infant and a fellow firefighter, were injured in the blaze.

Gervasi had little to say as he left the state police barracks Thursday afternoon.

"Not only is it distressing, its concerning to firefighters, disheartening I should say," assistant district attorney Corey Kolcharno said.

According to court papers, Gervasi was more than $160,000 in debt. He was trying to see a property attached to the garage, but couldn't because of a neighbor.

"We're accusing him of setting the fire with the intent of financial gain through insurance money and as a result of his actions, several individuals were injured in the fire and we're charging him with that as well," Trooper Bill Satkowski said.

What makes this case even more disturbing is that Gervasi allegedly set the blaze during the day knowing that as a former firefighter -- it would be difficult to fight.

"Its an unfortunate situation when someone endangers the very firefighters working in Scranton," Kolcharno said.

If convicted Gervasi faces up to 237 years in prison and fines of $390,000 dollars.