Suffolk County Volunteer Firefighter Charged with Arson in Medford Brush Fires

In what has been a startling turn of events for the community of Suffolk County, a local volunteer firefighter has found himself on the opposite side of the law. Jonathan Quiles, a 20-year-old member of the Medford fire department, was arrested on charges of arson and reckless endangerment, according to

NBC New York

. Authorities state the firefighter allegedly set a blaze in a wooded stretch on Mount Vernon Avenue, inadvertently damaging a parked car in the process.

The arrest occurred yesterday evening after officials quelled nearly a half-dozen small brush fires across Medford. While no injuries have been reported from the incident, the impact, and the betrayal, is one felt deeply by a community that places immense trust in its first responders. Officials reported that the damaged vehicle, a 2004 Chevrolet, was situated near the ignited area, as per

ABC7NY

.

The Brookhaven town supervisor has expressed intent to press charges following the fires, one of which scorched the town’s property at Twelve Pines Park. After being apprehended, Quiles was removed from the roster of the Medford fire department, pending the outcome of the investigation. The Medford fire department conveyed, via a

Facebook post

, that Quiles underwent a routine background check which had revealed no prior indications of such destructive inclinations.

As the community of Medford seeks to understand this breach of trust, Quiles awaits arraignment in Central Islip. According to public records, details on an attorney for him wasn’t immediately available, and the case continues to be investigated by the Suffolk County PD Arson Squad. The Medford Fire Department has assured that should Quiles be found guilty, his suspension will convert into termination from their ranks.

Note: Thank you for visiting our website! We strive to keep you informed with the latest updates based on expected timelines, although please note that we are not affiliated with any official bodies. Our team is committed to ensuring accuracy and transparency in our reporting, verifying all information before publication. We aim to bring you reliable news, and if you have any questions or concerns about our content, feel free to reach out to us via email. We appreciate your trust and support!