Va. officials warn public of man posing as a firefighter

By Matthew Bowers
The Virginian-Pilot

PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The fire department warned residents Tuesday about a man who recently posed as a firefighter making safety inspections and tried to enter at least one home in the Highland-Biltmore neighborhood.

The man wore no uniform and displayed no city identification, and the resident didn't let him in, said Capt. Paul Hoyle, a spokesman for Portsmouth Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services.

City firefighters perform such inspections only at home­owners' requests and wear uniforms or carry visible identification, Hoyle said.

Officials are investigating whether the man approached other homes, he said.

If you're not sure whether someone's a firefighter, Hoyle said, don't let the person inside, and call 911. Dispatchers can tell you whether legitimate fire officials are at your door.

Hoyle asked anyone with information about the fake firefighter to call the fire marshal's office at (757) 393-8689.

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