Brentwood Firefighter Suspended After Arson Accusation: FD

BRENTWOOD, NY - A Brentwood firefighter was arrested on arson charges for allegedly setting a fire at a Brentwood home, according to reports.

A Suffolk Police report showed that 24-year-old John Kovalsky was charged on May 13 with third degree arson - intentionally damage.

The arrest came after a fire that damaged a Brentwood home on Sherman Street. Kovalsky allegedly started the blaze by placing lit paper towels under a picnic table at the home, Newsday reports.

In a statement, the Brentwood Fire Department stated they learned about the "serious charges" on May 14 and are "gathering information pertaining to these charges."

"The Brentwood Fire District will fully cooperate with all law enforcement agencies as we always do," the statement read. "Though the individual charged with this crime enjoys the right to a presumption of innocence, due to the very serious nature of these charges the individual will be suspended pending the outcome of the investigation."

The damaged home belonged to 20-year FDNY veteran Michael Savino.

"It is bad enough that the house is on fire but the fact that it was deliberately set was a double blow," he told Newsday. "To learn that this may have been set by someone who fights fires is like getting kicked three times."

Kovalsky was released on a bail of $35,000 bond or $15,000 cash.

His next court date is scheduled for July 22.