Firefighter ArsonZero Tolerance – Zero Excuses!

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“At age 16 I joined the fire service. A senior firefighter was assigned as my training officer (he was 19). He encouraged me to go out and set grass fires so that we could respond and put them out for training purposes. He showed me how to set the fires and gave me pointers on how not to get caught.

I set 50-75 grass fires over approximately 2 years. I did not understand the severity of my actions, although I knew that it was against the law. I was sentenced to 2 years of probation, community service, and restitution based on my cooperation with authorities.

If could go back in time I would never have set a fire. What I did has made my life difficult. I loved being a firefighter and now I have lost access to that love and seriously damaged relationships with my family and friends.”

- Steven Specht, Convicted Firefighter Arsonist

Overview

• This presentation will cover:– The Problem– The Reasons– The Impact– The Consequences– What You Can and Must Do– Is It Ever Acceptable To Set Fires?– Zero Tolerance—Zero Excuses

• This presentation will cover:– The Problem– The Reasons– The Impact– The Consequences– What You Can and Must Do– Is It Ever Acceptable To Set Fires?– Zero Tolerance—Zero Excuses

The Problem: Background

• Firefighter arson is not a new problem!

• Over 100 American firefighters are arrested for arson every year!

• When a firefighter is arrested anywhere it affects us all!

• There are things we can and must do!

• There are no excuses for setting fires!

The Problem: Who?

So what kind of firefighter sets fires?

– Average age is 24 (But range from 14 to 65+ years old)

– Predominately male

– Over half involved multiple firefighters setting fires together

– Over 100 of those arrested were ranking officers, including chiefs

– Those arrested include volunteer, career, and wildland firefighters

– Many were well-liked, decorated, and/or related to other members

(Based on research from 1,800+ cases)

The Reasons: Motives

There is no single reason why firefighters set fires

Some set fires before becoming firefighters• Some may have “a problem with fire”—but this is uncommon.

• While former arsonists may be reformed, we cannot take the risk.

Most never set fires before joining• Many had no desire to set fires before joining

• They got the idea in the fire service…

• Many got the idea from friends in the fire department

• We need to send a strong and unified message that this is not acceptable behavior.

The Reasons: Continued• Why do firefighters set fires:

– We haven’t had a “real” fire in months…I could go for a call tonight…

– I’ll prove myself on the next fire and show them I know what I am doing…

– Do you think a port-a-potty will burn? I bet it will go up like a torch…

– If they disrespect me again I will just have to make them respect me…

– These car payments are killing me and the darn thing never works right…

– That vacant only attracts trouble…We have been getting a little rusty…

Regardless of the reason or rationale the outcome is the same…

CRIMINAL CHARGES!

The Impact: We All Lose

Watch Deputy Chief Tom Aurnhammer discuss the impact of firefighter arson:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TkJc2vF6CPo

The Impact: We All Lose

• When a firefighter is arrested for arson:

– It ruins the reputation of the department in the community

– It risks community support and donations that fund new equipment and buildings

– It makes all firefighters look like potential criminals

– It can cause respected members to quit out of shame

– It can ruin the fire department

When a firefighter is arrested we all lose!

Watch Chief Ron Lindroth discuss how firefighter arson affected his former department:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ookg3F22y4o

The Consequences: The Arsonist

If you set a fire, no matter how small, you ARE an arsonist:

– You WILL be kicked out of the department

• Arsonists cannot remain a firefighter or join a new fire dept.

– You WILL have a felony record

• Felons cannot own a firearm or hunt—for life!

• Felons cannot vote or hold any elected office

• Felons have trouble finding employment

– You and your family WILL be disgraced

Listen to Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Special Agent Dan Hebert detail his experience working on firefighter arson cases:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7517bf7xAdk

The Consequences: Accomplices

Even those who did not strike a match can be

arrested, charged and even sent to prison:– Most state laws treat anyone who takes part in a crime as if

they were the one who committed the crime.

– So even if you only act as a lookout, drive the car, or

provide the gas you can be charged as if you struck the

match!

The Consequences: Accomplices

If you know or suspect a fellow firefighter (or officer)

is setting fires you have A DUTY TO ACT:– You have the ETHICAL DUTY to do the right thing to stop this

action

– You also have the LEGAL DUTY to act to stop this behavior

– If you knowingly ignore or fail to act you CAN be arrested

What You Can and Must Do:

There are a number of things you can do to prevent firefighter arson:

– Be aware of who shows up to fires or behaves oddly

– Be honest with all new firefighters of the call volume and potential for boredom

– Firesetting is unacceptable—period!

What You Can and Must Do:

If you see something, you must say something.– Keeping quiet is not an option

– Inform your departmental leadership or police officer

– You can report your suspicions anonymously

Is It Ever Acceptable To Set Fires?

There are limited instances in which a fire can be legally set—if you’re not sure, just don’t do it.

– Training Fires in Structures or Brush• They must comply with the NFPA 1403 Standard• They must have the express permission of the

Chief• Any necessary equipment and personnel must be

on-scene and in-place before the fire is ignited• Informal or Unapproved training fires ARE NEVER

OK!

Is It Ever Acceptable To Set Fires?

– Prescribed Burns• They must comply with all relevant laws and policies• They must have an approved Prescribed Burn Plan• Informal or Unapproved prescribed burns

ARE NEVER OK!

Zero Tolerance – Zero Excuses

It is never acceptable to set an unapproved fire—

Period!– It does not matter how small the fire is…

– It does not matter whether anyone owns or cares about the

property…

– It does not matter if you only watched…

Zero Tolerance – Zero Excuses

If you set a fire, help someone set a fire, or even

simply know someone is setting fires and keep quiet…

YOU WILL NEVER BE ALLOWED TO BE A

FIREFIGHTER AGAIN—EVER.

YOU CAN AND WILL BE ARRESTED.

If you see something, say something!

ContactNational Volunteer Fire Council7852 Walker Drive, Suite 450Greenbelt, MD 20770202-887-5700nvfcoffice@nvfc.org