Former Louisiana Volunteer Firefighter Arrested for Arson in Connection with Fire in His Neighborhood

The Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office (LASFM) reported on August 11, 2022, that they had arrested a former Tallulah, Louisiana volunteer firefighter for allegedly setting fire to an abandoned mobile home in his area.

According to LASFM, Cody Faulkner, 28, was arrested on one count of Simple Arson in connection with the case on August 9.

Tallulah Fire Department responded to a complaint of a mobile home fire in the 200 block of Frederick Street in Richmond, Louisiana, in the late evening hours of August 8. The fire caused no injuries. However, strange circumstances revealed during the fire response prompted the fire chief to seek assistance from the LASFM in the inquiry.

Deputies discovered the fire was intentionally started in a bedroom after inspecting the scene. LASFM deputies identified Faulkner as a suspect in the case after working with the Madison Parish Sheriff’s Office’s fire department. Faulkner acknowledged starting the fire in an interview with deputies. He was then taken into custody.

“It’s disappointing that one person’s actions can bring doubt to an entire fire department’s commitment to its community,” said State Fire Marshal Dan Wallis, “But the communities served by the Tallulah Fire Department should not only remain supportive and trusting of their first responders, but also be proud of them for doing the right thing even if it wasn’t the easy thing.”

An arrest is an indication that probable cause exists to believe the subject was involved in the offense alleged. A person is innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.