A three-week investigation into suspicious fires has ended with two arrests. What makes these arson cases different from most is that the investigation lead firefighters to two of their own.
Ryan John Frank Sullivan of New Market and Michael Allen Bell of Quicksburg were volunteer firefighters with the New Market Fire Department. They're now the suspects in several suspicious fires.
The sheriffs from Shenandoah and Rockingham counties say these two men allegedly set more than a half dozen fires in less than a month.
Both men are charged with four counts of arson in Shenandoah County.
They were arrested Saturday at the New Market fire house where they were volunteers.
A fire in Quicksville is still smoldering Monday night, five days after Bell and Sullivan are said to have set fire to the barn.
Fire officials say these incidents are not reflective of the entire fire department.
Shenandoah County Fire and Rescue Chief Gary Yew says, "Two young volunteers who's motives were other than public safety do not sour an entire volunteer rescue agency. Also, need to be aware that the officers and member of the New Market Volunteer Fire Department were completely cooperative with the investigation."
Bell and Sullivan are being held without bond in the Rockingham County Jail and more charges are pending.
Republished with permission of WHSV-TV.
