SUNBURY, Pa. — A convicted arsonist has been ordered to pay more than $10 million to a former firefighter who was paralyzed as a result of responding to a fire in 2007 Pennsylvania.
Former Warrior Run Firefighter Wayne E. Hawley Jr. was struck by a falling beam at a Nov. 28 barn fire.
Despite being awarded the large monetary sum on Friday, Firefighter Hawley will likely never see any of it since the arsonist will be serving most of his remaining years behind bars, according to The Daily Item.
Chester A. Cyphers, a former Washingtonville firefighter, is serving a 12- to 25-year prison sentence for 11 fires between 2004 and 2008.
While the $10 million may never materialize, Cyphers is slowly paying Firefighter Hawley a $20,000 restitution order from 2009.
Firefighter Hawley delivered an emotional testimony that outlined the struggles he faced since his debilitating injury.
Since being paralyzed, Firefighter Hawley requires daily care, missed the birth of a grandchild and is unable to partake in former hobbies like traveling and bowling.
“It was very compelling. Not only what he’s gone through, but that his attitude is so good despite what’s happened,” Judge Charles H. Saylor said.