Unadilla Twp. structure fire leads to arrest of firefighter impersonator

Information provided by Unadilla Township Police Department

In the early morning of Monday, Feb. 13, 2023, the Unadilla Township Police Department responded to assist the fire department with a structure fire on Van Syckle Ct. The Unadilla Township Fire Department was also assisted by Hamburg Township, Putnam Township, and Howell Area Fire Departments in the firefighting efforts. The fire was extinguished with only minor damage to the residence, although the garage was a total loss. The residents and their animals were uninjured. The fire appears to be accidental, but the cause remains under investigation.

During the suppression of the fire, a man arrived on scene in a personal vehicle with emergency lights and a siren. He had minimal firefighting gear, including a helmet, safety vest and a radio. This eighteen-year-old Grand Blanc resident identified himself as a Brighton firefighter; however, the Brighton Fire Department had not been dispatched to assist.

Fire Department command staff did not allow this man to participate in firefighting efforts at the scene, after which he left. Fire Department staff then notified the police of the suspicious encounter. Unadilla Township police quickly identified the suspect and contacted him, at which time the man confessed to responding to the fire scene in Unadilla Twp. as well as other fire scenes in surrounding counties.

Police recovered the radio and clothing used, as well as other evidence. The suspect was arrested and lodged at the Livingston County Jail. He was charged with two felonies: Impersonating a Firefighter and Use of a Receiver or Scanner in the Commission of a Felony.

The Unadilla Township Police were assisted by Fenton Police, Unadilla Township Fire, Putnam Township Fire, Hamburg Township Fire and Brighton Fire Departments.