Posted on Aug 6, 2017
Pierson sees links between extremism and arsons by firefighters – Center for Homeland Defense and...
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SFC (Join to see) my goodness of the most compelling!
The perception at the time was that they were pyromaniacs with complex psychological disorders who joined the fire service. But FBI profiles would later show that there was a simpler explanation and one that Pierson believes could aid the modern age of countering violent extremism.
“None of them were pyromaniacs,” Pierson said. “They were people who had difficulty fitting into society. They became firefighters looking for a way to fit in. What they were driven by was a need to be significant.”
His thesis cites research from the FBI Behavioral Science Unit and researchers in South Carolina that identified traits of potential arsonists. Instead of being pyromaniacs, the firefighter arsonists were setting fires to create the opportunity to appear heroic.
SFC William Farrell PO1 William "Chip" Nagel LTC Stephen F.] SGT Robert George SMSgt Minister Gerald A. "Doc" Thomas Maj Marty Hogan MSG Andrew White SGT (Join to see) SFC Dave Beran SGT Philip Roncari SP5 Michael Rathbun CW5 (Join to see) SPC Margaret Higgins MSgt Jason McClish COL Mikel J. Burroughs ] SrA Christopher Wright Cynthia Croft SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth SSG Derrick L. Lewis MBA, C-HRM
The perception at the time was that they were pyromaniacs with complex psychological disorders who joined the fire service. But FBI profiles would later show that there was a simpler explanation and one that Pierson believes could aid the modern age of countering violent extremism.
“None of them were pyromaniacs,” Pierson said. “They were people who had difficulty fitting into society. They became firefighters looking for a way to fit in. What they were driven by was a need to be significant.”
His thesis cites research from the FBI Behavioral Science Unit and researchers in South Carolina that identified traits of potential arsonists. Instead of being pyromaniacs, the firefighter arsonists were setting fires to create the opportunity to appear heroic.
SFC William Farrell PO1 William "Chip" Nagel LTC Stephen F.] SGT Robert George SMSgt Minister Gerald A. "Doc" Thomas Maj Marty Hogan MSG Andrew White SGT (Join to see) SFC Dave Beran SGT Philip Roncari SP5 Michael Rathbun CW5 (Join to see) SPC Margaret Higgins MSgt Jason McClish COL Mikel J. Burroughs ] SrA Christopher Wright Cynthia Croft SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth SSG Derrick L. Lewis MBA, C-HRM
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HIs thesis sucks SFC (Join to see). I was a firefighter for many years, I am not a pyromaniac nor did I ever set a fire to appear heroic.
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SPC John Bryson
SFC Farrell, I find his thesis interesting. I too am a firefighter, nearly 3 decades, and I've seen some personalities similar to what was cited. Not pyromaniacs per say but definitely have a hero complex. People join our career for many different reasons. I joined because I believe it's a calling to help our fellow person in time of need. I, personally, wouldn't dismiss the thesis because I don't fit the profile. I find it interesting. Stay safe out there brother
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SFC William Farrell
SPC John Bryson - Thanks John. I just dont like the label they tried to put on us. This quote I especially disagree with, “They were people who had difficulty fitting into society. They became firefighters looking for a way to fit in. What they were driven by was a need to be significant.” The last sentence is the truest as we want to be significant as you said by helping our fellow man. I joined the Army to out of a sense to serve our country, to make a difference not because I was looking for a way to fit in. Be well.
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Capt Christian D. Orr
SGT Robert George - As someone who grew up in L.A, I'm reminded of John Orr, the LAFD arson investigator who turned out to be an arsonist himself.
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