Revered for their tenacity and courage, our nation's firefighters strive to protect the communities in which they serve, often at great personal expense. However, one 31-year-old firefighter allegedly sought to capitalize on his sworn foe—fire—for his own financial gain.
Authorities in Brandon, Vermont have charged Jeremiah M. Shaw with arson and insurance fraud. They believe that Shaw, a local firefighter, torched his own vehicle earlier this month in an attempt to defraud his insurance company. The incident in question happened on Aug. 12, when police responded to a reported car fire.
At the scene, Shaw told police he was driving when he noticed flames in the back of the vehicle and decided to pull over. Before fire crews could arrive, the car was fully engulfed in flames. Subsequent investigation by the police and Vermont State Police Arson Unit revealed some holes in Shaw's story. After determining it was virtually impossible for the fire to have begun in the manner described, authorities say Shaw confessed to burning the vehicle in order to obtain an insurance payout.
Police have since issued a criminal citation for which Shaw must appear in Rutland criminal court next month to officially answer charges of arson, burning to defraud, and insurance fraud.
When contacted by media on Sept. 3, Brandon Fire Chief Roman Wdowiak said his department was cooperating fully with police. Wdowiak added that he had taken “appropriate steps in accordance with the law” regarding Shaw's employment status but did not comment as to whether Shaw remains an active member of the fire department.
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