Arson program pays off

Date: 12/30/2008

By Ayo Babtunde

Staff Intern



SPRINGFIELD Any criminal or intentional destruction of property with fire is defined as arson and in 2007, the Massachusetts Fire Incident Reporting System recorded 1,212 statewide cases of arson. According to Sgt. John Delaney from the Springfield Police Department, "It's unfortunate, but crimes of arson usually go unsolved."

Arson can often result in injuries, causalities and millions of dollars in damages.

These facts are the primary reason for the Arson Watch Reward Program. Delaney said, "Insurance companies want to give people an incentive so that if people come forward with information about arson whether it's in a dwelling, business or car fire and the police make an arrest on it, then whoever provides the information can get the reward."

The Massachusetts Arson Watch Reward Program began more than 25 years ago. It is one of many Arson Watch Reward Programs that run nationwide. The program is funded primarily by the insurance industry.

According to Lt. John Friberg, Springfield Fire Department's Supervisor for Arson, the Arson Watch Reward Program will pay up to $5,000 for any information that leads to an arrest. The reward is ultimately determined by the extent of information given, so any information that leads to a conviction will be eligible for the maximum amount. All calls are confidential.

Friberg said, "The wintertime can be busy for us because of heating systems running and people doing alternative things to keep warm. This time of year we'll have fires popping up in vacant houses from people trying to get out of the weather...Controlling arson is really an effort of the community."

According to Delaney, arson can be one of the most difficult crimes to solve.

"Because traceable evidence is usually destroyed with arson, anything that helps us get arson under control is a positive thing. We really hope that any citizens with information will do their part and come forward," Delaney stated.

On Dec. 9, Police Commissioner William J. Fitchet and Fire Commissioner Gary Cassanelli were present for the most recent reward from the program, which gave three people a total of $7,000. The information they supplied helped solve the case of a Jan. 21, 2008 fire/arson at 120 Newland St.

Anyone with information to help solve an arson crime is encouraged to call the Arson Watch hotline at 1-800-682-9299.