Above is the raw video of Part 1 from our May 6, 2009 interview with Jerry Engle. Click here for Part 2.
Watch 9NEWS NOW 6:00 PM story
Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s press release and the indictment
Read statement from Riverdale VFD
Read May 6, 2009 story about our interview with Jerry Engle along with links to previous stories
Watch 9NEWS NOW story from May 6, 2009
A volunteer firefighter who told fire investigators earlier this year about a firefighter arson ring operating in Prince George’s County has been indicted on charges he set fire to a vacant Riverdale Park, Maryland home. Forty-six-year-old Jerry Engle is accused of breaking into the home at 5413 Riverdale Road on March 17, 2008 and setting it on fire. At the time Engle was a member of the Riverdale Volunteer Fire Department.
5413 Riverdale Road on March 17, 2008 from the Riverdale VFD website.
Charged with Engle is 24-year-old James Martinez. Martinez was also a member of Riverdale VFD and is a career firefighter in Montgomery County, Maryland. Both Martinez and Engle responded to the early morning house fire as part of the firefighting crew from Riverdale.
On April 21, 2009 STATter911.com first broke the news about the investigation of a firefighter arson ring in Prince George’s County. At the time a handful of volunteer members at Riverdale had been suspended.
Sources confirmed that Jerry Engle provided information about firefighter arsons to Prince George’s County fire investigators. Engle made the accusations after he was investigated for stealing firefighting equipment from the Riverdale station. At the time Engle, who has been associated with at least four volunteer companies in the county, was riding with the neighboring Riverdale Heights station.
On May 5 Engle gave an extensive interview to STATter911.com about his actions in the hours prior to the fire on Riverdale Road and other related topics. The tape of that interview was subpoenaed by fire investigators.
Engle told STATter911.com he watched as three firefighters set the vacant house on fire. According to Engle, he left an anonymous letter for the chief and president of the Riverdale Volunteer Fire Department alerting them to this serious problem. Engle says no actions were taken.
Engle claims the episode began when he drove the fire engine to check out a report of smoke in the area during the overnight hours. According to Engle, he waited inside the cab of the engine as the three other firefighters on board walked toward the home carrying road flares. Thinking that was odd, Engle says he followed the firefighters and saw them using the flares to ignite debris inside the house. Engle claimed that James Martinez was part of the crew on the fire engine that morning.
According to Engle, he drove the fire engine with the crew back to the Riverdale firehouse a few blocks away. Once there, Engle says two firefighters then left the fire station with a gasoline can. A short time later the call was dispatched for a house fire at 5413 Riverdale Road.
Jerry Engle in July, 2008.
Jerry Engle contacted STATter911.com immediately after a May 4 raid at the Riverdale Volunteer Fire Department. Fire investigators served a search warrant looking for evidence of an arson ring. Engle said at the time a warrant was also served at the Bowie area home where he was living.
Jerry Engle denied being involved in the Riverdale Road fire or setting any other fires, but admitted investigators have questioned him extensively about the arsons. Engle told us he wanted the investigators to administer a polygraph examination to prove his innocence. It is not known if that ever happened.
Engle believes the investigators were already looking at the possibility firefighters were involved in a string of arsons when he provided the information about the Riverdale fire.
According to area fire department websites the same house also burned two days earlier in the early morning hours of March 15, 2008 and possibly in the evening hours of March 16, 2007.
James Martinez picture from PGFD
This is the account of the March 17, 2008 fire posted on the Riverdale VFD website. It has some similarities to the version of events provided by Jerry Engle in the May 5 interview. (Click here for the description of the fire and pictures from the Bladensburg VFD website.)
At about 0545 hours, a citizen heading to work called the station stating he smelled what seem to be mulch burning in the area of Tanglewood Drive and Riverdale Road. He added that he did not see any smoke or fire in the area. The station notified Public Safety Communications (PSC) and responded to the location with E807 staffed with 8 volunteers. After arriving in the area and finding nothing the crew returned to the station.
As they were heading back to bed, PSC alerted the station for a reported house on fire at Kenilworth Avenue and Riverdale Road at 0621 hours. E807 went on scene at 5413 Riverdale Road with fire and heavy smoke coming from the 3 story vacant structure.
Above, Jerry Engle in happier times at the Kentland VFD. This is part of the video that surfaced in July, 2008 of apparent hazing and the shooting of illegal fireworks inside the Kentland firehouse. Engle can be seen using his body as a launching pad for bottle rockets. Click here, here and here to read more about this episode. Click here to watch our interview with Engle about the videos.
Engle has long been a controversial figure in the Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department. He wrote a book called Probie Days about Engle’s many years with the Kentland Volunteer Fire Department, one of the busiest volunteer fire companies in the world.
Last year, videos surfaced of Engle’s time at Kentland. It showed firefighters apparently hazing a new firefighter and shooting off illegal fireworks inside the station. Engle was seen using his body as a launching pad for a bottle rocket.
In May, Engle was driving a red Volkswagen adorned with numerous pieces of small fire equipment, including nozzles and axes. Many firefighters who have seen the vehicle questioned how Engle got the equipment. Engle said in his interview none of the items were stolen, but they are surplus equipment he was allowed to take from the various stations where he was a volunteer.
Engle admits his departures from the volunteer fire departments at Kentland, Riverdale and Bladensburg each involved controversy. Engle was suspended from the Riverdale Heights Volunteer Fire Department in March following the accusations that he stole items while his company was transferred to the Riverdale station. Engle says the nozzle and nozzle bale he took were his own that he had left behind after parting ways with Riverdale VFD last year.
Back in May Engle said he was told by a top official in the Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department that he is now permanently barred from being a firefighter in the county.
The Riverdale VFD has issued a statement indicating both Engle and Martinez had been dismissed for “unrelated reasons” prior to Riverdale officials becoming aware of the investigation (Engle rode at both Bladensburg VFD and Riverdale Heights VFD after leaving Riverdale). Here is an excerpt from the statement:
These indictments should in no way reflect on the sincere dedication that the majority of volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel put forth each and every day protecting life and property. The Riverdale Fire Department and the many other volunteer departments continue to provide a professional and competent volunteer force answering the majority of fire and EMS service calls during nights, weekends, and holidays due to the County’s budgetary constraints.
Montgomery County Fire & Rescue Service officials tell us Firefighter Martinez remains on administrative leave with pay as he has since late April.
Jerry Engle faces the possibility of 51-years in prison on charges of second degree arson, burglary, conspiracy to commit second degree arson, burning with intent to defraud and malicious burning.
The same charges were filed against James Martinez along with making a false report. He faces up to 54-years in prison.
Mug shot of Jerry Engle from the Prince George's County Department of Corrections
Also on STATter911 …
- Quick Takes – October 27, 2010
- Prince George’s County firefighter falls out of responding engine. Chapel Oaks volunteer was heading to house fire. – October 10, 2010
- Update on DC firefighters: Chuck Ryan still critical, but improving. One released & two in good condition. – April 11, 2011
- UPDATED (new video added): High winds slam MD, DC & VA. Prince George’s County hit hard with numerous large fires damaging structures. Mutual aid from as far away as Baltimore City & Maryland’s Eastern Shore. – February 19, 2011
Comments
Powered by Facebook Comments
Sounds like he is full of BS to me. He is just trying to cover his ass.
Well it’s about flippin time!!
So, Jerry does his normal routine – points out someone doing something worse then he is, so he can take the heat (no pun intended) off his back. But this time, it backfires. That my friends is so awesome I can’t even put in words how I’m feeling right now.
I’ve been onto Jerry Engle since 2006 and I have waited patiently for this day. Ok, sometimes not so patiently. All I can say is that I WILL be in court on sentencing day. Holding up a poster that says “Clink Clink Bitch!”
Thanks to the ATF, PGCO FD & Stratter for all their hard work and involvement in making Mr. Engle responsible for his actions
Finally! Karma prevails! Jerry Engle deserves everything that he gets and more! What a shame it is not a punishable crime to be a low-life skeeze! If it was, this man would be locked up until he drew his last breath! Hope they throw the book at him … lets all keep our fingers crossed, shall we?
Who cares about these jerks……….. American soldiers were killed by a terrorist or terrorists… Screw these poor excuses of humans. Let them be convicted in silence. We have more things to worry about then some local fire bugs.
He sure likes to talk.
shouldnt stop looking there. what about all those vacant apartment fires on landover rd?????
You set em dumb ass. Look in the mirror!
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/17/AR2008031702555.html
http://cpvfd.org/archives_2008.php
“Truck Runs Fatal Apartment Fire and Makes Rescue
MARCH 17, 2008 – While Engine 812 was operating on a house fire in Co. 7’s First Due, Truck 812 was alerted as the 2nd Due Truck to 2000 Erie St. for a reported apartment fire. TK812 arrived just behind PE 844 with nothing evident. As the engine was stretching a line it was discovered that there was a fire in the terrace level apartment and residents were advising of a child trapped in the bedroom. TK812 entered the apartment and located a fire in the rear bedroom and started the primary search. As the crew from PE 844 was extinguishing the fire they located an unconscious victim, who was removed by PE 844 and TK812. While crews were removing the first victim, FF Sines and Sgt. Zalenski continued searching the apartment and located an unconscious child. The child was removed from the apartment and resuscitative efforts started. Crews worked feverously to revive both victims, who were quickly transported to local hospitals. TK812 worked on scene for just over 2 hours, assisting the investigators. Unfortunately the child had succumbed to injuries sustained from the fire.”
34 was transferred to 13 during Jerry’s fire, delaying the response to Erie St where the child died. He’s a murderer as well.
this guy is a freakin idiot i myself am glad he was finally put out of the pgfd he is a asshat.
Another black eye for the Maryland Fire service. I think I’ll stay right here in Pennsyltucky where we may not be as great as MD, but you can keep this crap.
Sounds like Martinez is being pulled down by Engel….no mention of anyone else saying that he was involved in anything…Engel can’t be trusted…hopefully Martinez gets a fair look…
That SCAB(Martinez) is a grown up, made a grown up decision and hopefully will pay a grown up price for his crime! Why was he volunteering in the first place, was it to protect the community or the citizens? No! He’s just a f#%*&@ SCAB that can’t make in MCFD and plays make believe in PGFD. He and Jerry were there looking to prey on the people they were sworn to protect. These losers aren’t noble, good hearted people looking to help someone. They’re homeless S#*&bags looking for a rush or a place to live. They hide behind the idea of being a volunteer ” don’t pick on me…I’m here donating my time..”. Bulls*%#, they were in it for themselves. Arsonist should pay a heavy price. NEVER place another Fireman in danger!
Martinez is just as guilty as Engle. Lock em’ both up!! The courtroom is going to be one crowded place come sentencing day.
Dave,
Did you turn this simpleton in from his obvious’suspicious behavior’ after you videoed him?
I worked with FF Martinez’ father in Silver Spring for many years and knew James when he was but a little boy. I am deeply saddened by this.
How funny is it that Jerry tried to roll on his fellow “brothers” by bringing up this arson crap and it turn around and bit him on the ass. Who writes an anomonyous letter about an arson event that he participated in. Snitches get stitches. And That dumb ass mohawk did it to him self. Since he is already in Jail, I hope his hearing today goes poorly for him as well. Today, is the day of the trial for him stealing property from 807 while on a transfer. Bye By Jerry.
He will probably wiggle out of this somehow, he has managed to do that his entire life. As far as Mr. Martinez, he gets no sympathy from me for “being pulled down by Engle” as a previous poster stated. He is old enough to know right from wrong, especially being in the fire service.What is unfortunate is that Montgomery County continues to pay his salary and they reap nothing from it except the black eye which he gave them. Send them both up the river, they both deserve it.
Now he can write a new book! PRISON DAYS
Nice car you idiot
Dave -
Has anyone looked into the allegation mentioned in 8th post? With 34′s Truck transferred to 13 as a result of the arson fire, Engine Company 44 was first due to 2000 Erie Street. The Chillum station is 1.5 miles farther away from the scene of the second fire, at which a woman was critically injured and her child was killed. Doesn’t this make Engle at least tangentially responsible for the loss of a life? If his criminal actions contributed to the child’s death by tying up the closest fire company, the blood of a young child is on his hands.
Who better than you, Dave, to bring this to the attention of the proper authorities in the PGPD or Arson Investigators’ Office?
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/17/AR2008031702555.html
Oops Jerry got a FTA from today.. Too Bad So Sad.
Defendant Name: ENGLE, JEROME EDWARD
Race: WHITE, CAUCASIAN, ASIATIC INDIAN, ARAB
Sex: MHeight:600Weight:200DOB:08/15/1963
Address: 3053 NEW OAK LN
City: BOWIEState:MDZip Code:20716 – 0000
Charge and Disposition Information
(Each Charge is listed separately. The disposition is listed below the Charge)
Charge No: 001Description:THEFT:LESS $500 VALUE
Statute: CR.7.104Description:THEFT:LESS $500 VALUE
Amended Date: CJIS Code:3 5010MO/PLL:Probable Cause:X
Incident Date From: 03/29/2009 To: 03/29/2009 Victim Age:
Related Person Information
(Each Person related to the case other than the Defendant is shown)
Name:CARPIO, BRIAN V
Connection:COMPLAINANT
Event History Information
Event Date Comment
SUMI 05/19/2009 SUM ISSUED 090519 AGENCY:ZP 16
SUMI 07/20/2009 SUM ISSUED 090720 AGENCY:ZP 16
BSET 11/06/2009 091106;00000000.00;BALC;100; ;9R0
WARI 11/06/2009 091106;ZP 16 ;2;FTA;D09111865-0
Scab -
a. A worker who refuses membership in a labor union.
b. An employee who works while others are on strike; a strikebreaker.
c. A person hired to replace a striking worker.
Per the Oxford Dictionary. I’m not defending anyone but if you’re going to add insult to injury by calling Martinez names (a scab) you should at least call him a name he deserves otherwise all you’re doing is slandering someone who is already under enough pressure.
Just saying.
Just saying..
Per Webster’s Dictionary:
SCAB -
3 a : a contemptible person b (1) : a worker who refuses to join a labor union (2) : a union member who refuses to strike or returns to work before a strike has ended (3) : a worker who accepts employment or replaces a union worker during a strike (4) : one who works for less than union wages or on nonunion terms.
He meets the accepted definition! It’s not slander. Who’s cares if that SCAB is under pressure, He committed a crime. His emotional state is the least of my concern. My concern is with who’s on the rig with me. Are they committed to the job at hand? Are they committed to the crew? or are they going to place my crew in danger? Selfless acts of bravery are made by real Firemen everyday. Their acts a overshadowed by two selfish people posing as public servants.If your at the firehouse for your own glory, your not a Fireman. Try looking up “Two-Hatter” also. Martinez should worry about names that refer to “girlfriend” in prison.
As a career firefighter for over 10 years, I will say that I can’t stand when a brother calls volunteers those stupid names. (Tick, Scab, etc.) They aren’t stealing MY job, I already have one. The only job a volunteer steals is his own, because after all, why would they hire you when youare already working for free? Stop with the name calling and grow up.
As far as the arson charges, I hope they put him away, and that car is stupid.
One of two things…Either you’re a scab protecting a fellow turd, or you’ve no clue of the misery, heartache, and utter strife that people such as these bring to P.G. County. Call a spade a spade. If the truth hurts, seek consolation elsewhere, you’ll never get until the local governments, the federal government, and /or the IAFF cure the disease of scabbing. If you truly believe this is wrong, open your eyes, think for youself, and be a true brother….End the tryanny of scabs once and for all…PS ..Nice post Mexican.
1) the guy is clearly a sociopath and needs to be put away.
2) You volunteer-hating firefighters have to realize that you have priced yourselves out of business. I can’t think of any reason to pay you $125,000 a year in salary and benefits*, when I am healthy, and live in concrete, fully sprinklered building. I don’t need you. You are yet another entitlement program run by PeeGee. Give me the volunteers, they’re good enough, and much cheaper.
3) Given #2 above, there is no chance that, if you were successful in driving the volunteers out, you would see much of an increase in union positions.
From Prince George’s County Proposed Budget 2010 Agency Budget, approved FY2009 salaries and benefits p286.
Mr. TaxPayer
I am glad to hear that your health is in order and you live in a protected residence. Most of the residents of your fine county can’t say the same. The county agreed thru negotiations to the contracts which pay your counties employees, blame your government, agreed to our requests. The volunteers that you bet your well being on are often unreliable, consume an unneccesary amount of your tax dollars and bend the numbers to give you a false feeling of security. Feel free to review any of the 100s of previous posts concerning PG county. The volunteers have a place, but the needs of the county dictate they can not be the sole providers of service.
The topic of this story revolves around a number of individuals who violated the publics and their brothers trust and placed many indiviuals in danger. They should be punished.
I wish you well in your future health and choice in home, and hope that you never need the services of myself or my comrades
PG Tax Payer..
I’ve taken an oath to protect you (many times from yourself) and others like you regardless of your views without prejudice. It’s unfortunate you feel cheaper is better and that you live in a concrete bunker, but lets get some things straight.
1. A majority of the citizens on Prince George’s County still live in non-sprinklered single family and multifamily residences despite progressive legislation over the past 30 years.
2. At no time has a derogatory remark has been offered against the Volunteers. The Volunteer system will not disappear within our lifetime. There are talented and committed men and women through out PGVFD.
3. A “Scab” or “Two Hatter” is a different entity all together. These individuals act outside their rank in the department of sworn obligation by participating as line officers, chiefs or majors with in PGFD. These ranks do not follow a testing process nor are they scrutinized for EEO violations as in other areas of the work force, popularity or bullying is the deciding factor on who receives these positions. If a “Two-Hatter” was to respond into to jurisdiction where he or she is employed, their rank doesn’t transfer and they could be charge with impersonating that rank with in their department. They often disregard the SOP’s and rules followed when on duty, in order to operate recklessly and carelessly while off duty. They also violate the rules of their Union bylaws. Public trust is important; can you truly trust the individual that disregards so many SOP’s, rules, bylaws and oaths? If so why? As Firefighters we don’t have the luxury of deciding which rules are able to be broken. A deviation from common practice may cost a Firefighter or even a fine PG Tax Payer their life.
4. Yes, Martinez and Engles are Sociopaths and need to be prosecuted. Mr. Cash stated it well, a “Spade is a Spade”. Not pointing out the obvious is avoiding the part of the problem. If your motivation to be a Firefighter is a paycheck, a chief’s car or to prey on the citizens of Prince George’s County, find something else to do.
Real smart Mr. Taxpayer, put your trust in the very Volunteers who would torch your house for their own glory.
I just think that PG must be the only place where people can start out making comments about an arsonist and end up calling each other names that has nothing to do with arson.
Anonymous stated “I just think that PG must be the only place where people can start out making comments about an arsonist and end up calling each other names that has nothing to do with arson.”
The above comments have everything to do with the phenomenon of Firefighter Arson. It’s rare, but it happens to often in this area. Some recent examples that included charges are: the events in Riverdale, Chillum-Adelphi, 2000-2002 in Lanham/ New Carolton and Late 80’s and early 90’s in District Heights. Compared to the national numbers, PGFD has an extraordinary percentage for one department. This department has a history of recruiting members from different regions and neighboring career departments (Scabs). These members are usually seeking the “the rush”, “the excitement” or “more experience” from an area with a history of fire frequency. Most have no ties to the county, nor do they pay taxes to county. So what is their motivation? Most will never entertain the thought of Arson. Most will prove to be law abiding citizens, but the practice invites in the individual with questionable motives.
Arsonist share certain traits and motivations. Documented in a Homeland Security report from 2003, Excitement is the number one common motivator. The following is from that report:
“Offenders motivated by excitement include seekers of thrills, attention, recognition, and rarely, but importantly, sexual gratification. Excitement and action accompany a fire. The ability to create a situation requiring the response of the fire service and law enforcement provide some people with a feeling of empowerment over society. Potential targets of the excitement-motivated arsonist run full spectrum from so-called nuisance fires to occupied apartment houses at nighttime. Firefighters are known to set fires so they can engage in the suppression effort. Firefighter arsonists who seek recognition, or wish to be viewed as heroes, may set and “discover” the fires.”
By identifying individuals with questionable motivations within a department, a department may be proactive in matters such as Firefighter Arson.
Look we all know paid maids are worthless. Those people would have died regardless. The paid pukes only care about money and have killed so many over the years due to their cowardice. On their days off they do scab labor so they are hippocrites as well. They are mad at Jerry because he would beat them into their own first due area and make them look bad.Who knows how many are still alive because of that mans fast responses. I do believe jealousy led to his problems. I urge all volunteers to set up a legal defense fund for him. PG county investigations are the biggest bunch of morons ever.I think he will be okay. You are a hero Jerry and in our thoughts and prayers.
ok leo, jerry is a dirtbag. he steals from his own “brothers” in the firehouse. screw him. i have no doubt in my mind that he’s guilty of every charge.
Hey “Leo”…I bet you are another tick wanna-be that couldn’t carry Leo Stapleton’s jock strap to a fire.
Defending Jerry’s driving alone, not to mention his other antics, classifies you as a moron in my mind. Jerry is a zero, not a hero, and you are too.
I wish we could calculate the real cost, in lives and property, resulting from the illusion of fire protection that the volunteers have presented over the last 40 years in PG.
Hey “Leo”, two words come to mind, arse and hole.
Instead of worrying about a real fireman like Jerry, lets talk about the paid puke from Adelphi who lit an occupied carry out on fire and the low lifes from 1619 made it possible for him to get his 20 year pension. You dont here much about that do you? The paid maids in PG have the reputation as being one of the worst paid departments in the nation.
Leo AKA Jerry, are you out on bail now or just failure to appear?
Stop dragging the real Leo Stapleton’s name through the mud by defending a POS like Jerry Engle. Jerry’s a blight not only on PG, but the entire fire service (career and volunteer).
Jerry is a true smoke eating hero!
There are reasons the POS from 34 got off.
it wasn’t occupied at the time, Wrong charge
And he claimed it was stress and the EAP office did not call him back the day before, so that was his excuse, If they would have helped him he would not have started the fire.
Its like asking for help for a drug problem minutes before they hand you a cup to pee in. Great thinking.
Yeah he will never be a firefighter again, but he has a nice pension.
Lets see how many times Brady will mention this blunder by the Fire Marshalls office. I mean geeze the 15 awards they received over catching the guy from the spring hill lake arson fires only gets you so much credit, right?
They screwed that up. Lets hear the spin on that one they Brady.
Hell That paid guy was on VIDEO for christ’s sake. and he got off.
TICK is not a bad think
Teamwork
Integrity
Courage
Knowledge
I’m a proud Tick.
Jerry’s going to be writing a new edition of his book about his time in jail called Probe Me Days.
Jerry will be found not guilty, that is if it even goes to trial. They should lock up every 1619 firewoman and charge them with fraud! They are paid to do a job and fail to deliver!
Why doesn’t DCFD begin a volunteer system led by all those DC career folks leading neighboring departments. Mayor Fenty would save millions of dollars as volunteers in neighboring areas proclaim to politicians everywhere. It must be true! They could have their apparatus read “Ward 3 FD” and have plenty of live ins. As a matter of fact someone should call Mayor Fenty today!!! I’m sure lots of people would get off work and go volunteer to save our Nations Capitol lots of money.
It’s people like this – not to be called firefighters, for they surely don’t deserve that title – that tarnish the legacy and damage the future of the fire service.
Jerry has 100k bail payable at 100% on his head – he’s not getting out, he’s not having the charges dropped. He’s where he belongs.
Jerry’s life has been about doing what he wants, when he wants, however he wants with no regard for boundaries, rules, regulation or law. Whenever he was ‘caught’ he would ALWAYS rat out someone else who did something worse thereby taking the heat off himself and for the most part it has worked. Until now.
It doesn’t matter if that someone was his friend for 20 years, his relative, or someone he met 5 minutes before. He is a sociopath and there is simply no cure. Leo (whoever you are) you may be his friend now, but it will change. He WILL use you for something, and it may even be a ‘scapegoat’ so watch your back.
Stop trying to tarnish the reputation of a great fireman with all of your nonsense!
I didn’t know you could tarnish s#!t!
Hey LEO, Haven’t you ever heard that you can’t polish a turd. He got only a small portion of what he deserves. He’s a user and will never change. Only this time he’s the one who will get screwed.