ARSON IN TOLEDO - 2 FIREFIGHTERS DEAD

[HairOfTheDog]

New thread for discussion of this sad story, which was first covered in the thread "IN THE LINE OF FIRE".

According to subsequent investigation, the fire was intentionally started.


Original story posted by @RaisingAPrince.

Toledo Fire Department has confirmed two firefighters were killed while fighting a fire at a convenience store Sunday afternoon.
The fallen firefighters have been identified as:

Stephen A. Machcinski, 42, with 16 years of service.
James A. Dickham, 31, with approximately 6 months of service

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the fallen firefighers and their families," said Toledo Fire Chief Luis Santiago at a press conference Sunday night.

Both men were assigned to Engine 3 and responded to the structure fire shortly after 2:30pm Sunday.

"It was in the course of these efforts that they suffered fatal injuries after what could be described as valiant efforts," Santiago said. "They removed them from the structure to begin life-saving measures. They were transferred to St. Vincent's Medical Center."

The chief says a formal and detailed investigation will take place involving multiple agencies.

Toledo Mayor Michael Collins paid tribute to the fallen firefighters Sunday night, calling it "a tragic night."

"They run into harm's way instead of running away from harm's way," he said.
The mayor has asked the community to lower flags Monday at 8:00am to half staff and asked for prayers from community members.

"Please keep those families, the firefighters and police officers, and the leadership in your prayers," he said. "We're going to be very challenged, and, without your prayers, it would compound our struggles."

http://www.13abc.com/story/24551552/toledo-firefighters

[HairOfTheDog]

RIP Stephen Machcinski and James Dickman

The Toledo Blade reports more than 5,000 people filled the convention center, including firefighters and law enforcement officials from across the nation. Toledo Battalion Chief John Kaminski said “there are no words that can express the sadness in our hearts.” However, he pointed out that although it was a somber occasion, it was also a “celebration of their life and service.”

James Dickman leaves behind a wife and two young children. Stephen Machinski was single and dedicated to the force.


(Note: Mr. Dickman's name was originally reported incorrectly as "Dickham")

[HairOfTheDog]

READ THIS !
http://www.toledoblade.com/Courts/2014/0...blaze.html

Did anybody read this ? Toledo is not only very sad, we are very angry !

I don't blame you, OTD.

snipped from your link:
Residents of a North Toledo apartment building, where two firefighters died Jan. 26 fighting what investigators allege was a purposefully set fire, said actions by the building's owner that day seemed suspicious, in retrospect.

The owner, Ray Abou-Arab, 61, was arraigned on Monday in Toledo Municipal Court on two charges of aggravated murder and two charges of aggravated arson. Retired Judge Denise Ann Dartt ordered that Mr. Abou-Arab be kept in the Lucas County jail. Judge Dartt set bond at $5 million, with bond for each murder charge at $2 million, and each arson charge at $500,000.


Mr. Abou-Arab (pictured outside the scene as the fire was in progress ^) of 1311 Sierra Dr. in Oregon is accused of setting the fire at a two-story apartment building he owned at 528 Magnolia St. Two firefighters — Privates Stephen Machcinski and James Dickman — were pronounced dead later that day at Mercy St. Vincent Medical Center after being rescued from inside the building, where they had become trapped.

Police allege Mr. Abou-Arab entered the building’s garage, remained there for more than a minute, left, and then entered a storefront at the same location, according to court documents. After he left the garage, the documents state, an occupant of an adjacent unit noticed a wall was on fire.

After the hearing, residents recalled actions by Mr. Abou-Arab that at the time did not seem to them suspicious but do now.

Read more at http://www.toledoblade.com/Courts/2014/0...iYylb3Y.99
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I think the POS Abou-Arab is lucky to be in police custody; there are a lot of very angry Toledo residents and members of the firefighters' union out there.

Nothing will bring back Stephen Machcinski and James Dickman, obviously, but if the fire was set intentionally by Arab, hope he spends the rest of his life behind bars reflecting upon the destruction of lives that he caused.

[RaisingAPrince]

The picture of him standing there with his coffee infuriates me!