Throwing the Bookcase at Firefighter Arson

Posted by: Curt Varone June 7, 2011 1 Comment

A Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania volunteer firefighter was sentenced yesterday to 1 ½ to 3 years in prison for setting a fire last August. Brandon Cooper, 19, was with the Arnold Volunteer Fire Department when he set a fire in a garage that led to the destruction of two garages, seven houses and a parked car.

He pled guilty to the charges, and will have to serve probation and pay restitution upon his release.

Asked to comment on the sentence, Pennsylvania State Fire Commissioner Edward A. Mann gave the quote of the week:

“A firefighter accused and convicted of arson should have the entire bookcase thrown at them. Not just the book.”

More on the story.

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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