NBFD Releases Statement on Alleged Arsonist

The North Bellmore Fire Department has issued a statement on the arrest of one of its members.

Matthew Greve, 25, of West Hempstead, was arrested Tuesday in connection with a May arson incident during which a car was set ablaze and destroyed.

The North Bellmore Fire Department said in a release:

The Board of Fire Commissioners and the Chief’s Office have fully cooperated with the police department in its investigation of this matter. Arson is a serious matter that imperils firefighters and the people they serve.

The Board and the Chief’s Office will continue to cooperate with the police department and the Office of the District Attorney in this matter, and will take steps internally to make certain that any firefighter charged with such an offense is suspended from membership pending the outcome of the criminal charges and a disciplinary process.

The Fire District is well aware that citizens charged with crimes are entitled to the presumption of innocence and due process. Firefighters charged with misconduct are also entitled to due process before disciplinary action can be taken.

It is the policy of the Board of Fire Commissioners and the Chief’s office not to comment on disciplinary matters.