Former Pennsylvania Firefighter Gets Probation for Arsons

A former western Pennsylvania volunteer firefighter was sentenced to home confinement for one year and probation for 19 years for setting five fires.

Cambria County Judge Gerard Long told Charles Edward Shenego that he faces years in prison if he doesn’t continue mental health treatment, make restitution and work.

Long says he was influenced by mental health experts who said incarceration could hinder Shenego’s rehabilitation.

Shenego was serving with the Lower Yoder Volunteer Fire Company when the fires broke out at a vacant house, in trash and recycling bins and near a garage last year.

Authorities say Shenego admitted setting the fires because there were no good fire calls in the area and because he wanted excitement.

Source: The Tribune-Democrat.