Fire Law Blog Fire Service and Public Safety Legal Issues Blog by Curt Varone

Tag Archives: East Kingston Fire Department

NY Firefighter Convicted of Arson

A volunteer firefighter in New York has been convicted of burning two buildings that stood between his house and the house of his then-girl friend, so he could have a clear line of sight. Michael Watzka Jr. was convicted last week by an Ulster County jury. He was a member of the East Kingston Fire Department.

Curt Varone has over 45 years of fire service experience and 35 as a practicing attorney licensed in both Rhode Island and Maine. His background includes 29 years as a career firefighter in Providence (retiring as a Deputy Assistant Chief), as well as volunteer and paid on call experience. He is the author of two books: Legal Considerations for Fire and Emergency Services, (2006, 2nd ed. 2011, 3rd ed. 2014, 4th ed. 2022) and Fire Officer's Legal Handbook (2007), and is a contributing editor for Firehouse Magazine writing the Fire Law column.

Name
First Last
Email*
Address*
State
Job Title
Company
CAPTCHA