Firefighter Accused of Arson

 How do you quickly go from being a firefighter to being a felon? The short answer is set your house ablaze to collect on your insurance policy, which is what Parsons, Kansas fire officials suspect one of their firefighters, Carl Ray, of doing. 

Ray, a Southeast Kansas firefighter for four years, is said to have gone beyond his job description when he allegedly set fire to his house in order to collect on the insurance money. According to KOAM News and Kari West, Parson’s Public Information Officer, Ray was arrested on March 25^th by Parson’s police and charged with arson and attempted insurance fraud.

When his own home went up in flames on March 12^th, the Parsons fire officials who responded say it was the nature of the fire that prompted them to turn the case over to the Kansas state fire Marshall to be further investigated. 

Neighbors who saw Ray’s home on fire recall their feelings and the disbelief that the investigation ended up allegedly pointing towards Ray himself. Resident Justin Ramirez stated, “Wow, it’s crazy, crazy.  Something’s wrong. A firefighter starting his own house on fire…. I thought fireman are supposed to prevent fires not start them.” Ray’s neighbor Jean Batavia isn’t so sure he started that fire however. She stated “I don’t think he did. I think someone else did, but I don’t know.”

Time will tell whether accusations are true, but as of now, Ray has been let go from his position. He will have a chance to appeal the decision however, as it is part of city policy.

Please note that these are mere allegations as there have been no convictions.  Ray is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.