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Robert "Bobby" Bennett, 39, the deputy fire chief of Hacks Point Volunteer Fire Company, was taken into custody Tuesday morning after investigators identified him as the person allegedly responsible for a blaze earlier this month, according to the Maryland Fire Marshal.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, Nov. 4 when a brushfire burned two acres of land on Grove Neck Road at the Recovery Centers of America’s property, officials say.
Bennett was among the firefighters who responded to the scene, driving the department’s brush truck to assist in extinguishing the flames.
However, authorities launched an investigation after the treatment center shared surveillance footage with the Office of the State Fire Marshal that allegedly showed Bennett starting the fire.
“This situation is deeply troubling,” acting State Fire Marshal Jason Mowbray said in a statement.
“I want to make clear that this one person's alleged actions in no way reflect upon the thousands of dedicated career and volunteer firefighters who serve our communities—especially our volunteers who give of themselves and their time to serve Maryland.
"I'm disappointed, but the alleged actions of one should not disparage the work and sacrifices of those who serve.”
Bennett was arrested at his home without incident and now faces several charges, including second-degree malicious burning, malicious destruction of property, and reckless endangerment.
He is being held without bond at the Cecil County Detention Center.
In response, Hacks Point Volunteer Fire Company Chief Frank Redford reassured the public that the department remains steadfast in its mission.
“The dedicated volunteers of our Hacks Point community will continue to respond," he stated, added that "the department reassures the public that we will remain vigilant in protecting the community and responding to emergencies."
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