Hacks Point, MD, Deputy Fire Chief Charged with Starting Brush Fire
A Maryland deputy fire chief was arrested setting a brush fire in Earleville.
Hacks Point Deputy Chief Robert "Bobby" Bennett, 39, was arrested after he was observed on a surveillance camera setting the fire at the Reovery Centers of America's property, according to the Maryland Fire Marshal's Office.
Bennett drove the department's brush truck to the Nov. 4 fire that spread to two acres.
On Tuesday, he was taken into custody at his home without incident and is facing multiple charges including second-degree malicious burning, malicious destruction of property, and reckless endangerment.
"This situation is deeply troubling," said Acting State Fire Marshal Jason M. Mowbray. "I want to make clear that this one person's alleged actions in no way reflect upon the thousands of dedicated career and volunteer firefighters who serve our communities, especially our volunteers who give of themselves and their time to serve Maryland. I'm disappointed, but the alleged actions of one should not disparage the work and sacrifices of those who serve."
Hacks Point Fire Chief Frank Redford said: "The dedicated volunteers of our Hacks Point community will continue to respond, and the department reassures the public that we will remain vigilant in protecting the community and responding to emergencies."
Susan Nicol | News Editor
Susan Nicol is the news editor for Firehouse.com. She is a life member and active with the Brunswick Volunteer Ambulance & Rescue Company, Oxford Fire Company and Brunswick Vol. Fire Co. Susie has been an EMT in Maryland since 1976. Susie is vice-president of the Frederick County Fire/Rescue Museum. She is on the executive committee of Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association. She also is part of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) Region II EMS Council. Susie is a board member of the American Trauma Society, Maryland Division. Prior to joining the Firehouse team, she was a staff writer for The Frederick News-Post, covering fire, law enforcement, court and legislative issues.
