Fire Department Investigates Banned Firefighter Arsonist Who Operated at House Fire

Posted by: Curt Varone August 21, 2014 0

A fire department in Pennsylvania is investigating how a former member who was convicted of arson and banned for life from serving as a firefighter, donned turnout gear and operated at a house fire.

Francis Kestner Jr. allegedy operated at a house fire last Saturday night along side members of the Mt. Oliver Fire Department. Kestner, son of Mt. Oliver Fire Chief Francis Kestner, was a member of the department until accused of setting a series of fires in 2002-2003. He pled guilty, was sentenced to five years of probation, and was banned from ever serving as a firefighter.

Kestner was seen operating at the fire wearing Mt. Oliver turnout gear. Department officials are trying to determine if anyone asked him to assist at the fire, or whether he trespassed by entering the fire station to obtain the gear.

About Curt Varone

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.
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