Oct 29, 2004 By Patty Shultz 3 min read

CONNELLSVILLE – Residents fearful that their home or a neighboring property might become the next target of an arsonist gathered with law enforcement and fire officials Thursday to learn how they can protect themselves and their property. Approximately 50 attended the informational session held at the South Side Elementary School. The Race Street facility sits within walking distance of several of the homes and apartment buildings that have been deliberately set afire, including the most recent blaze that destroyed a vacant Sycamore Street home.

“It’s sad to think we have to have a meeting like this,” said Mayor Judy Reed, who called for the gathering. “I guarantee you that everything that can be done, is being done.”

Since Oct. 21, 2003, 20 fires have been confirmed as being intentionally set in occupied or vacant structures, according to city police Chief Stephen Cooper.

The fires, said Cooper, have taken place on various days of the week, with most being reported during the early morning hours or late at night.

Although declining to discuss specifics relating to suspects, evidence or tactics being used by the various law enforcement agencies working with the city department to apprehend those committing the crime, Cooper said that it has been concluded that more than one person is setting the fires.

“We don’t know, however, if they are working in cooperation with one another,” he said. “There are a multitude of reasons why people set fires.”

Police Sgt. Vincent Traynor, who serves as the city fire investigator, suggested to those in attendance to keep their properties clear of debris, leaves and outdoor furniture that could be easily ignited.

Traynor commended the homeowners that maintain overnight lighting and recommended that smoke detectors be regularly checked or installed on each floor of the home.

Connellsville fire Chief Joe Childs lauded a suggestion from the audience to install a detector on the front or rear porch to alert sleeping residents to a fire set outside the home.

State police Trooper Brian Burden, community liaison and public information officer for the Uniontown barracks, encouraged the residents to be observant and to report anything out of the ordinary to the local department.

“Police can’t be everywhere, but you are there,” he said. “Know who your neighbor is, and if something is not right, make the call.”

Burden suggested a neighborhood watch committee be formed to assist police in apprehending anyone committing a crime.

Sgt. Ron Haggerty, who is the department’s lead investigator in connection with the arsons, agreed that the apprehension of those committing the fires will be with the help of a homeowner. “We need that one break,” he said.

Resident Teri Hirko said that she would implement the suggestions offered by the law enforcement and fire officials.

“I wanted to be informed,” she said of her attendance. “I wanted to hear the facts from the people that know them and not rumors and speculation.

“I would have never thought of smoke detectors on the porches, but that’s a great idea. I also think we should get involved in a neighborhood watch program.”