Stamford Volunteer Firefighters Charged In Burglaries

STAMFORD, Conn. — Two Belltown volunteer firefighters have been charged with stealing from another firehouse and public officials throughout Stamford, a statement from Stamford police said Wednesday.

Jessy Gallagher, 18, of Stamford was arrested Tuesday in suspicion of stealing emergency lighting.
Photo Credit: *Courtesy of Stamford Police Department*

Nicholas Hazel, 20, of Stamford is suspected of stealing emergency lighting from public officials' vehicles.
Photo Credit: *Courtesy of Stamford Police Department*

by Anthony Buzzeo

04/10/2013 3:40 p.m.

On March 20, the Springdale Volunteer Firehouse was burglarized and emergency lighting equipment was taken, police said. Investigators were able to trace the burglary back to four members of the Belltown department, the statement said.

Police searched the residences of Jessy Gallagher, 18, and Nicholas Hazel, 20, as well as two juvenile suspects and found items stolen from other public service officials, the statement said. Investigators linked the items to larcenies at the private homes of Fire Chief Antonio Conte, Stratford Fire Chief Robert McGrath and a state trooper’s vehicle, the statement said.

All four suspects have been interviewed, and some admitted to taking part in the burglaries, the statement said.

Gallagher and Hazel were arrested and faced numerous burglary, larceny, and conspiracy charges on Tuesday, the statement said. More arrests were pending, the statement said.

The Bureau of Criminal Investigations recognized Sgt. Gallagher, Oficer Stempien and Officer Russell of the Property Crimes Division for their work on the case.

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