Former Firefighter Sentenced For Arson

[Lucky 13]

A former volunteer firefighter is headed to prison after being sentenced for setting nearly a dozen fires in three different counties. One of those fires caused the paralysis of another volunteer firefighter.

Chester Cyphers, 52, of Washingtonville learned his punishment for causing those injuries and starting nearly a dozen fires. He will spend at least 12 years in prison.

Monday's sentencing should keep the serial arsonist behind bars at least until he is in his mid 60s.

For now Chester Cyphers will no longer be a threat to people in Montour County or surrounding communities.


At the county courthouse in Danville the former volunteer firefighter from the Washingtonville area learned he will spend 12 to 25 years behind bars for setting nearly a dozen fires.

"He really created a reign of terror in the better parts of four counties," said Montour County District Attorney Robert Buehner. He added he will seek to keep Cyphers behind bars for the whole 25 years or until the admitted arsonist does not pose a threat anymore.

Cyphers pleaded guilty last year to setting nearly a dozen fires over several months. He torched fields and barns, including one near Turbotville in November, 2007. Two firefighters were injured while battling the blaze, one of them is now paralyzed.

Full story here.

I hope this bastard rots...

[fireball]

after reading the article,i'm just mad!!!!

12 fires for only one man!he is insane!!!

the paralysis of one volunteer firefighter,that is more than terrible because of one man(the arsonist) who is crazy.

[jester1965]

At least the POS is headed for prison and off the streets.

[FranklinCountyVFF]

12 years is a slap on the wrist to this guy. He should have got life. We've got a firebug running around our area that the authoritys think is responsible for two barn fires and several brush fires. They have a real good idea who it is but are having trouble showing proof. I hope they catch him soon, i'm getting tired of fearing for my life and others while we battle these blazes in some of the thickest and ruffest pine thickets in the county.