Illinois Firefighter Charged with Arson

A volunteer firefighter suspected in a series of fires has been arrested in Illinois.

Blake T. Walsh, 24, the Williamsfield Fire Department was arrested yesterday in connection with a “series of arsons involving hay bales and grass fields which primarily occurred in the Williamsfield area,” according to a press release issued by the Knox County Sheriff’s Office.

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Walsh is being held in the Knox County Jail in lieu of $50,000 bond.

Here is the Knox County Sheriff’s press release.

 

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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