Unamused Cat
June 1st, 2008, 05:54 PM
http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg107/snarkyphotos/BrianFrancione.jpg
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=11944434
ANSONIA — City firefighters were stunned Friday after a newly sworn volunteer for the Webster Hose Fire Co. was arrested and charged with setting a Martin Terrace home on fire last month.
Brian Francione Jr., 18, of Benz Street, was taken into custody Friday at Ansonia High School and charged with first-degree arson, first-degree criminal mischief and first-degree reckless endangerment.
Ansonia police spokesman Lt. Wayne Williams said Francione is accused of setting the April 14 fire that destroyed an attached garage and car at 21 Martin Terrace. Fire Marshal Ray Tingley said at the time the fire appeared to be intentionally set.
Williams said that according to witness statements, Francione indicated that he started the fire because "there hadn't been one lately." Francione was a junior firefighter with the Webster Hose Fire Co. for about two years and became a probationary volunteer on May 2.
Webster Hose Chief Michael Eheman, who is also the city's first assistant chief, confirmed that Francione was placed on administrative leave from the department May 16 after police informed him that he was a suspect. He will remain on leave, pending the outcome of the investigation, Eheman said.
Corporation Counsel Kevin Blake, who is also the Fire Department spokesman, said the Fire Department will fully cooperate with city police and the state attorney's office in their investigation.
http://www.connpost.com/localnews/ci_9433598
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=11944434
ANSONIA — City firefighters were stunned Friday after a newly sworn volunteer for the Webster Hose Fire Co. was arrested and charged with setting a Martin Terrace home on fire last month.
Brian Francione Jr., 18, of Benz Street, was taken into custody Friday at Ansonia High School and charged with first-degree arson, first-degree criminal mischief and first-degree reckless endangerment.
Ansonia police spokesman Lt. Wayne Williams said Francione is accused of setting the April 14 fire that destroyed an attached garage and car at 21 Martin Terrace. Fire Marshal Ray Tingley said at the time the fire appeared to be intentionally set.
Williams said that according to witness statements, Francione indicated that he started the fire because "there hadn't been one lately." Francione was a junior firefighter with the Webster Hose Fire Co. for about two years and became a probationary volunteer on May 2.
Webster Hose Chief Michael Eheman, who is also the city's first assistant chief, confirmed that Francione was placed on administrative leave from the department May 16 after police informed him that he was a suspect. He will remain on leave, pending the outcome of the investigation, Eheman said.
Corporation Counsel Kevin Blake, who is also the Fire Department spokesman, said the Fire Department will fully cooperate with city police and the state attorney's office in their investigation.
http://www.connpost.com/localnews/ci_9433598