Staff writer
sbeveridge@observer-reporter.com
The captain of West Brownsville Volunteer Fire Company is facing two counts of arson over accusations he attempted to set two houses on fire while they were occupied in recent weeks.
Brian Wilson Dunker, 22, of 204 Main St., West Brownsville, is being held on $200,000 bond in connection with the fires that deliberately were set in the borough Oct. 27 and Nov. 3, court records show.
The first fire was set with a butane lighter in a rag that was wrapped around an outdoor electrical service at the 164 Main St. residence of Maire Pierro, state police noted in the affidavit. A basement window also was kicked out in order to toss another lit rag into the house, the court record shows.
On Nov. 3, a rag was stuffed under siding and set on fire at the 201 Middle St. residence of Jessie Mitchell, police said. The fire was contained to the area around the rag.
West Brownsville fire Chief Todd King referred comment to police when contacted Tuesday. He confirmed that Dunker is an officer in the department.
Dunker, in his online profile at FirefighterNation.com, indicates he has been a volunteer firefighter since he turned 11, and has been working as an emergency medical technician in Fayette County. He also noted that he is in training as a dispatcher at Washington County 911.
"I love to help people when in trouble," he states in the profile.
Washington County Public Service Director Jeff Yates said Dunker has been a 911 per diem employee for the past three months. Dunker will not be returned to the schedule while his case is pending in Washington County Court, Yates said.
"He won't be working ... until there is official resolution," he said.
State police did not say whether Dunker confessed to the arsons. It was not immediately known if he is being represented by an attorney.
He also is charged with two counts each of reckless endangerment and criminal mischief. He was placed in Washington County Jail following his arraignment Monday night before District Judge Larry Hopkins.
Police said they expect to file additional charges against Dunker.