Police Arrest Alleged Firefighter Arsonist

Sleepy Hollow Police have announced the arrest of a 21-year-old, decorated Sleepy Hollow Fire Department member in connection to an two homes on March 20.

Trent Bronner, of 126 Valley Street, was taken into custody without incident Wednesday afternoon. He has been charged with Arson in the 2nd Degree, a B felony. He was arraigned and taken to Westchester County Jail with bail set at $150,000.

"It's a dark day," said Sleepy Hollow Fire Department Chief John Korzelius. "To have one of our own... This is really the ultimate sin for the Fire Department."

Bronner is a three-year, active member of the Sleepy Hollow Fire Department. He is a member of Union Hose Company Engine 86 which is located less than a block from where the fires took place at 13 and 19 Cedar Street. Bronner also helped fight the fire that he is alleged to have started (see video attached in this article).

"Trent was a rather active firefighter," Korzelius said. "That's another reason why we're disappointed."

In the past, Bronner was recognized by both the Village of Sleepy Hollow and the Westchester County , for helping who jumped from the Tappan Zee Bridge. The man survived the leap, and was spared from drowning by the quick actions of both Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow departments.

Bronner was also listed as the top alarm responder for the department for 2010-2011, having responded to 201 calls according to the fire department website. He has been placed on suspension from the department pending the outcome of his case.

Four days after the Cedar Street fire, Bronner posted on his Facebook page and lauded the work of firefighters:

"When a man becomes a fireman his greatest act of bravery has been accomplished. What he does after that is all in the line of work. Firemen never die, they just burn forever in the hearts of the people whose lives they saved," Bronner posted. "When the first tones go off, and the first page goes out. The whistle starts to blow and many people go put their lives on the line to save yours. Many of these men and women are leaving their families knowing that they may never see them again. If you are a firefighter, know one, or love one post this and show them that your proud of what they do!!"

Police are not revealing what information they are using to connect Bronner to the scene, but did say that the March 20 fire was deliberately started on the outside porch of 13 Cedar Street.

The arrest comes after an extensive investigation by Sleepy Hollow Police Detectives Jose Cotarelo and Michael Hayes along with the Westchester County District Attorney Investigators and the Westchester County Cause and Origin Team. 

"It's a job well done on gathering the evidence we needed for making this arrest," said Sleepy Hollow Police Chief Greg Camp.

Bronner has no prior criminal record, however he is charged with a B felony, which could result in significant jail time and fines if a conviction is made. Bronner will appear in Sleepy Hollow Village Court on May 2 at 3 p.m.

This article was originally posted at 3:20 p.m. on April 27.