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Pocono News Section
Three Firefighters Arrested for Arson
Three Firefighters Arrested for Arson - Wednesday, March 31, 2010 at 04:02AM EST
Reported by: Kyla Campbell
Wednesday March 31 2010
FRIEDENSBURG, SCHUYLKILL COUNTY -- Volunteers who were supposed to be fighting fires in Schuylkill County are now charged with setting them. State police arrested three volunteer firefighters with the Friedensburg Fire Company on arson charges.
State police say Shawn Hoy along with Matthew Dixon and John Eichert set several fires in Schuylkill County. All three were members of the Friedensburg Fire Company at the time, but have since been suspended.
People who live in the area are disgusted, including Ed Kashmer, whos a firefighter himself. He says this puts a black mark on other volunteers. "Sure, it does. Because we're all volunteers. And every second counts. With people pulling stuff like that, could cause people to really get hurt."
Rico Melicharek of Tamaqua said, "I feel they're helping the people out, and here they go setting fires. I don't think it's right."
Troopers say the men are responsible for nine barn fires. The string of arsons started in September. The latest fire was in January. More than two million dollars worth of damage was left behind.
David Green of Tamaqua said, "They must be really stupid to do something like that. They're only hurting them and other people."
One barn torched at the intersection of Route 61 and 895 in West Brunswick Township was standing since the 1700s. The owner lost tens of thousands of dollars worth of farm equipment.
People nearby are glad those responsible are behind bars. "I'm glad they caught them, and like I said, I hope they get what they deserve," said Kashmer.
State police say the one firefighter, Shawn Hoy of Pine Grove, is also accused of setting a fire in January of 2007. Those charges are pending.
Troopers say other arrests are expected in this case.
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