Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshall Blaise Ingoglia announced the arrest of Tallas Salavas Bradley for allegedly starting an arson fire resulting in $100,000 in property damages through a press statement this week.
"Anyone willing to put others in harm’s way by setting fires deserves nothing less than being put behind bars," Ingoglia said in a release. "Floridians should feel safe in their communities and not have their lives or property threatened by criminals. I applaud the work of the arson investigators on this case, as this criminal will now face the fullest extent of the law.”
According to the CFO's release, Salvas Bradley was arrested following an investigation by Department of Financial Services Bureau of Fire, Arson, and Explosives [BFAEI] Investigations after determining a fire had intentionally started. The Tallahassee Fire Department initially requested assistance from BFAEI in the fire's origin.
Salvas Bradley is also said to have made false statements during his interview.
The arrest follows a prior conviction for Salvas Bradley for arson in which he was sentenced to 10 years in prison.
Salvas Bradley was arrested on Aug. 10. He is charged with arson and making false reports to law enforcement authorities.
He faces 35 years in prison if convicted.
CFO Ingoglia's announcement follows several initiatives boosting fire department support, including $1 million in awards for firefighter safety to four local fire stations earlier this month. Ingoglia also awarded $1.6 million for firefighter upgrades to departments in March and $500,000 in awards for equipment and training to departments in April.
"Over the years, the profession of being a firefighter has evolved and there are more dangers facing our firefighters than ever before," Ingoglia said in a release after his March announcement. "This is why it is crucial that Florida's emergency responders are equipped with the resources they need to continue to save lives."
