Fireman's Attorney Challenges Burglary Charges Against Client

A Pittsburgh firefighter will stand trial after being accused of calling in false alarms then using a firehouse pass key to rob his fellow firefighters who left to respond to the false alarms.

Police said Vincent Manzanella, 31, a 10-year veteran, was already on workers' compensation when he allegedly robbed from his co-workers in order to buy heroin in April.

Manzanella called in the false alarms from pay phones and stole about $85 from co-workers and the Lawrenceville firehouse kitchen fund, police said. He is charged with three counts of burglary.

His attorney denies the burglary charges because every Pittsburgh firefighter has a pass key that provides access to every firehouse in the city.

“He had a key. Is that burglary?” said defense attorney William Cercone Jr. “I give you the key to my car, and you take off in my car. Have you stolen it?”

“Vince is a fine young man who has been under a lot of pressure,” Cercone said. “Hopefully we will be able to turn this case around.”

Manzella allegedly told police he stole in order to support his heroin addiction, and the firefighter’s union president said Manzella is now in rehab.

“I went over and spoke with the individual personally, outlined the seriousness of this issue and consequences involved,” said Joe King of Local #1. “At that time he made the decision that he needed immediate help."

Public Safety Director Michael Huss said he'd like to begin a drug-testing program for firefighters, but union officials oppose that move.

Manzella was suspended for 30 days without pay by the fire department.