IRWINVILLE, Ga. --
Georgia Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John Oxendine says four Irwinville volunteer firefighters, including the chief, have been arrested in connection with a series of fires in Irwin County.
Oxendine says Chief Rusty Thomas faces several charges, including two counts of first-degree arson, two counts of second-degree arson, one count of false statements, four counts of party to a crime and four counts of criminal damage to property.
Oxendine says the firefighters are suspected in a number of arson fires dating back to last summer. Those fires involved two houses, vehicles, and wood and grass fires.
Oxendine also says firefighters Justin McCurdy and Roy Brown Jr. are each charged with first-degree arson. Firefighter Eric Lee Cowart is charged with second-degree arson, party to a crime and obstruction of justice.
