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3rd firefighter charged in Canadian arson spree

Gary Richard Luker joins two other Florence Volunteer Fire Department members charged with setting a series of blazes last summer

By FireRescue1 Staff

SYDNEY, Nova Scotia — A third volunteer firefighter has been charged with arson in a series of blazes that occurred last summer.

National Post reported that Gary Richard Luker, a 33-year-old rookie, faces two charges of arson, joining two other Florence Volunteer Fire Department members. The other two members, James MacDonald, 24, and Stephen Tremblett, 49, also face charges of setting fires involving vehicles, brush, abandoned buildings and two residences. All three responded to the blazes.

No one was hurt in any of the fires.

Chief Dave Julian Jr. said Luker was well-liked by his peers.

“He showed great potential,” Chief Julian said. “We were heartbroken and felt betrayed. We were like a family.”

Luker was released on a promise to appear; he’s due back in court Jan. 17. Tremblett and MacDonald are still awaiting trial.