Firefighter arrested for 2 arsons in Allegheny County

ALLEGHENY COUNTY, Pa. — A firefighter has been charged with arson in connection with two fires in Allegheny County, police said.

Joshua McKelvey, 18, of United Fire/Rescue Station 135, was arrested Friday afternoon in light of an investigation conducted by police in East McKeesport, North Versailles and Allegheny County, as well as the Allegheny County Fire Marshal’s Office.%

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Police said McKelvey is charged in connection with a fire at a vacant motel on Route 30 in North Versailles and a brush fire in the 500 block of Wall Avenue in Wall Borough.

According to the criminal complaint, McKelvey lit the brush fire Thursday, went home and waited for the call to come in.

"His actions put many people at risk, including emergency responders who were called to fight the blaze,” United Volunteer Fire and Rescue Chief Shane Spielvogle said.

However, McKelvey, who was a probationary member of the unit for just under two months, was not one of the responders, Spielvogle said.

"He did carry our name and posted pictures with us on social media, but he would not be what we consider a brother or one of us,” the fire chief said.

As for the motel fire, McKelvey poured a gallon of gasoline and lit the fire, police said. According to the criminal complaint, McKelvey told officers that he did it because “he knew the motel was used for drug and sexual activity, and he was tired of it.”

Spielvogle said he feels betrayed and angry.

"Betrayed would be an accurate description. Angry would be another,” he said.

The fire chief said McKelvey’s actions won’t define his department or they work they do.

"We reaffirmed to ourselves the reason why we’re here and the folks in this department who made it what it is. So we're sticking together and doing the work we're here to do,” Spielvogle said.

The fire chief said he hopes some things will change when it comes to the vetting process and bringing volunteers on board as a result of McKelvey’s arrest.

McKelvey is charged with two counts each of arson (endangering persons) and arson (endangering property). He is also charged with causing or risking catastrophe and failure to control or report dangerous fires.

Unable to post his $10,000 bond, McKelvey remained at the Allegheny County Jail Friday night. He is due back in court next Thursday for his preliminary hearing.

Cox Media Group