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Posted on 10/22/2007 9:02:06 AM PDT by JMack
Port Legion fire ruled arson
An arsonist destroyed the joint headquarters of the Port Allegany American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars early Tuesday morning.
A fire marshal from the Pa. State Police barracks in Kane said his investigation confirmed that the fire was intentionally set. Police declined to say whether they have any suspects.
The 55-year-old building and its contents along Rt. 155 were described by police as a total loss. A passing motorist called in the blaze shortly before 4:00. First firefighters on the scene from Port Allegany's Star Hose Company said the building was fully involved.
Firefighters from Austin, Coudersport, Roulette and several other area departments responded under the mutual aid system. They had to shuttle water from a mile away in downtown Port Allegany.
Cpl. Martin Henneman from the Kane barracks is heading the investigation. He estimated the loss at $125,000.
On July 23, 2007, on Route 155 South of Port Allegany, PA:
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And then on Tuesday, July 24th, totally destroyed by a dastardly arson's fire.
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I wanted to post this as I crossed paths with one of the guys involved, and they are soliciting donations for rebuilding their hall. I figure a news story on FR about some vets in need can't get me in too much trouble. Their website is:
VFW Post 6391 and American Legion Post 258, Port Allegany, PA
They also sell stuff on E-bay, including beautiful jewelry quality Flag Lapel Pins. A nice understated way to either say 'I'm a Patriotic' or 'Barak Obama can go to hell'. However the money from the Ebay stuff goes to care packages for the troops, and not their hall. Here is their Ebay page:
That is very sad.
Some anti-war person or persons did this.
I would think the leading theories of motive would be to cover a burglary or disgruntlement/revenge by a former insider.
That part of Pennsylvania is very conservative, and I can’t imagine anyone up there burning a VFW to protest the war. Well, it would surprise the hell out of me, anyway.
Can this sorry excuse for a human being account for his whereabouts on the night of the fire?
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