Posted on 02/10/2005 5:29:43 AM PST by Mike Bates
A Chicago Fire Department lieutenant has been charged with arson after allegedly setting four fires earlier this week, including one that damaged a computer room at a Catholic school, police officials said.
Jeffrey Boyle, 46, was charged today with four counts of arson in connection with fires set within a one-mile radius on the city's Far Northwest Side Sunday and Monday, said police spokeswoman Amina Greer.
(Excerpt) Read more at chicagotribune.com ...
This is more common than most people know--it's just a pathology that is so hard to understand that people can't quite believe that it exists. As pedophiles go where the children are, firebugs go where the fires are. And if there aren't enough accidental fires, the pyromaniacs set their own.
I have no doubt that his defense will include a shrink or two claiming he's just a sick puppy who deserves our pity rather than punishment.
Actually, I meant my post more as a warning to small-town (and big-city!) volunteer fire departments. Take a good look at your volunteers.
I dont think this is a common problem, but it does happen. It gives a bad rap to other Firefighters who risk their lives daily for the good of the community.
There may be more to this story than what we all may hear. Jeffrey Boyle is the brother of the recently indicted John "quarters" Boyle who is part of the "Hired truck" scandal/investigation. I also heard on local talk radio that the family is P.O'd at the Daley admin.
I'm going to keep tabs on this one. I have a few friends and neighbors who know this guy. Time for a little casual snooping.
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