I'm so truly sorry to FFN and all of the members here. I feel totally responsible for inviting a member(Brian Dunker) to join here, that has recently became a major disgrace to the firefighter family. I am truly appalled at his recent activities, and for the shame he has brought among us all. I'm asking you all to please forgive me..as I honestly considered him as my friend, being a co-worker and fellow firefighter. My heart goes out to all that know him, and trusted him. May God be with his family throughout this trying time ..thank you all, and God bless us all, Cathy
I had just read an article about him this morning. I don't see where you need to apologize for anything tho' Cathy. It had nothing to do with you. He's a big boy. making big boy decisions- just the wrong ones. Unfortunately, its fairly easy to get involved with Volunteer organizations and thus easier for people with questionable ideals or motives to get involved. My best wishes also to his family and friends and hope this doesnt affect his dept too much....
In case anyone is wondering, heres a snip from an article...
The captain of a western Pennsylvania volunteer fire company is jailed on charges he tried to set fire to two occupied houses. Brian Dunker, 22, is accused of setting the fires in West Brownsville, Washington County.
It was mentioned in a previous post that it is easy to become involved in Volunteer Organizations and therefore it is easy for questionable people to become involved. I agree with that. But what is even more appalling is that this person was in a position of authority in two different organizations, and at 22 years old. I myself am only 27 and I am in a position of authority at my volunteer department, but it was not a position that was handed to me simply because it was there to be filled. My military background, my volunteer service, my full-time position on a paid department as well as my maturity level, and extensive training record were all taken into consideration by my superiors before I was selected for the position. I think the maturity factor is huge here in this story. It is hard to expect a person who is just 22 years old to have the maturity level to lead front line firefighters and provide a good example to those under his/her command. This person was a Captain at 22 years old. How long has he held that position? How long was he a Lt.? Was he ever a Lt? All of that is the disturbing part to me.
If there is any truth to it, Dave will pull the plug on him.
We don't need his kind in our organization.
Does anyone have more on this?
TCSS.
Art
Permalink Reply by Dawg on November 20, 2008 at 3:03pm
If he is the same Capt. Brian Dunker from Brownsville, PA that is in the news he is accused of 2 counts arson which explaines other posts here. Just a crying shame.
It just stated that he tried to light 2 houses on fire one by wraping a rag around an eletical box or something like that on oct 27. Then on Nov 3rd he lit another rag stuffed under siding of a house.
He was also a dispatcher for Washington County PA
Thats what i heard from a newpaper on the internet.
Permalink Reply by Dawg on November 20, 2008 at 3:30pm
Cathy, your not responsible, nor liable for any of whats happened. No blame gets put on you for this.
He has been formally charged with 2 counts of Arson and is being held on $200,000 bond. Based on what I have read and some of the other unsolved arsons in the area there may be more to follow if they can make the connection. On multiple news sites, there was a confession by the accused with specific details for locations and methods.
I think the "any truth" part can be removed. People who do this and call themselves firefighters are a disgrace to all of us in the fire service. Hopefully he gets a nice extended vacation in the "windowless Hilton"
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. (from the observer-reporter)