A Coatesville fire captain was arrested for allegedly setting two fires last weekend, according to the arson task force Monday.
Robert Tracey, Jr., 37, was arrested and charged with nine counts of arson and related offenses. He is a paid, part-time firefighter and serves as a fire captain. He is also a former assistant fire chief.
The fires in question were set just before midnight Friday at two nearby homes.
A porch swing was set ablaze along the 600 block of Madison Street. A trashcan was also lit behind a home along the 100 block of Hope Avenue.
Coatesville firefighters quickly extinguished the fires before significant damage could be done.
Residents were inside at the time of the fires. Luckily, no one was hurt.
"It's unbelievable that it's a firefighter -- someone you trust," said Willfredo Acevedo who witnessed the Hope Avenue fire being set near his house.
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Tracey's former fire company was also shocked over his arrest. Here is an excerpt from the company's statement:
"No words are sufficient at conveying the anger, frustration and disappointment that the officers and members of the West End Fire Company feel regarding these allegations. Should Mr. Tracey be found guilty of these charges in a court of law, he will have betrayed not only the trust of company, but also the sacred trust of the community that he served."
Friday night's fires bring the total number of arsons in Coatesville to 22 for the year. Almost 70 fires were deliberately set since 2008. Ironically, one of the arsons happened the home of Tracey's mother, sources confirmed Monday.
Tracey's wife Tracy March-Tracey said she stands by her husband and vowed he would be released soon in a statement Tuesday night:
"My husband is a very loving caring and compassionate man. He is and always will be an amazing & supportive father. He is my rock, I love my husband very dearly. My family & I will continue to stand by his side tall. I adamantly believe that my husband is an innocent man. I also believe he will be home safe and sound very soon. He has been a firefighter for over 20 years, and has continuously has poured his heart & soul into protecting this city. At this time I would like everyone to respect my privacy as well as my childrens."
Officials are looking into whether Tracey is connected to other unsolved arsons. He is being held on $2 million bail.
