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A former firefighter who confessed to lighting seven structures on fire in Michigan will spend at least six years in prison.
Kyle David Norden, 40, was sentenced Monday in Van Buren County Circuit Court to six to 20 years in prison for arson, The Herald-Palladium reported . He was also ordered to pay more than $500,000 in court costs and restitution.
Judge Kathleen Brickley said she was concerned that Norden would continue his actions because he was linked to multiple arson cases.
“I am very afraid of you out in the community and the damage you could cause and injuries you could cause,” Brickley said. “You, as a former firefighter, should know more than anybody the consequences of fire.”
Norden was once a Hartford firefighter. He was identified as a suspect in multiple fires in October and later confessed to lighting five in Van Buren County and two in Berrien County between September and October. Norden was charged in October with six counts of arson, four of which were dismissed in January as part of a plea deal.
Kelly Tucker’s barn was one of the structures destroyed.
“This barn has a history that dates back more than 150 years. It stood as a landmark for generations,” she said. “The night of Oct. 1 was a nightmare for us. I don’t think I will ever shake the sick feeling of seeing the barn on fire. And we have to look at that every day when we pull into our driveway and it’s not there.”
Norden apologized at his sentencing and said he needs help for depression.
“I am sorry for what I did and I will never do it again,” he said. (AP)
