TOLEDO, Ohio — The arrest of a building owner in connection with the deaths of two firefighters has infuriated their colleagues.
NorthwestOhio reported that the arraignment of Ray Abou-Arab on arson and murder charges in connection to a fire that killed Toledo firefighters Jamie Dickman and Stephen Machcinski has evoked strong emotions.
“It has unleashed a negative emotion. I will not lie about that,” said Toledo Fire Chief Luis Santiago. “We have had our rashes of fires, and suspected arsons that, at that time, I told you it’s personal. I will tell you as I stand here now, it doesn’t get any more personal.”
A mass of firefighters packed the courtroom Monday as a judge set a $5 million bond for Abou-Arab.
Chief Santiago says that, despite the anger and frustration throughout the department and the community, judgment is now in the hands of the judicial system, according to the report.
“It is our position that we’re going to exercise great restraint, discipline, and respect the system that is in place,” Chief Santiago said.
He said the investigation will likely continue for at least a month before more specific information about the fire can be released, according to the report.