[WTAE] is reporting a firefighter, Vincent Manzella, is being accused of setting false alarms while off-duty in the Lawrenceville section of the city.  While the crew from Engine 6 were out investigating, he allegedly went into Station 6 and stole small amounts of cash from his fellow firefighters.

Investigators knew it was an inside job since there was no forcible entry made.  After reviewing the county 911 tapes of the false alarm cars, investigators recognized Manzella’s name on the tapes.

The motive behind his actions were reportedly to fund a heroin addiction.  He was caught performing the false alarms and thefts on three different occasions.  He admitted taking small amounts of cash, just enough to purchase some heroin,$10 off a kitchen counter, $25 from two firefighters, an $50 from a firehouse water fund collection.

The thing that struck me as odd was Manzella was still on the job stationed in the Sheraden station.  At first, I was surprised to find he wasn’t suspended, but I’m sure Chief Jones is still reviewing the whole situation to get both sides of the story.  Hopefully PBF can give him the help he needs to get off the heroin and straighten his life out.  Sometimes the wrong choices are made in life, and hopefully people can be supportive of our fellow brother to get him the help he needs.