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Texas volunteer firefighter accused of arson

El Cenizo Volunteer Fire Department Chief Josue Garza said the firefighter will be terminated from the department based on the outcome of the sheriff’s investigation

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The fire department is cooperating with the Webb County Sheriff’s investigation.

Photo/Wikimedia Commons

By Louis San Miguel
Laredo Morning Times, Texas

EL CENIZO, Texas — An El Cenizo volunteer firefighter was arrested and charged with arson after a fire was reported early Thursday in the City of El Cenizo.

Jonathan Jacob Cervera, 24, was arrested just after midnight Wednesday and charged with arson. He was booked into the Webb County Jail, but online records show he was released on bond.

El Cenizo Volunteer Fire Department Chief Josue Garza said the fire department was approached by a female bystander who advised them there was a fire on Valdez street.

“Our department started making their way and we called it in to dispatch,” Garza said. “As for knowing what provoked the fire, we don’t know. There is an up and going investigation on it.”

Garza said the fire department is cooperating with the Webb County Sheriff’s investigation.

“We will not allow the actions of a volunteer to affect our response to calls in a prompt manner,” Garza added. “We are going to respond to calls. We are going to ask that people bear with us.”

The chief said Cervera will be terminated from the fire department according to the outcome of the sheriff’s investigation. He said he encourages others to join the volunteer fire department and help out the community of El Cenizo a little bit more.

“We are working on trying to get emergency medical services, more equipment and more stuff for the city,” Garza said. “Our department was not aware of any delinquent actions from a former volunteer. We have zero-tolerance on any criminal activity. His decisions are his. We are going to still continue the services. We are going to use the situation to better the department a little more and try to provide the services the City of El Cenizo deserves.

“In addition, we are a volunteer fire department. We are working with what we have. We are going to work with law enforcement to continue to maintain the public’s safety.”

El Cenizo Mayor Elsa Degollado and El Cenizo City Administrator and Spokesperson Jaime Montes were not immediately available for comment. It is unclear what caused the fire.

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©2019 the Laredo Morning Times (Laredo, Texas)

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