Fires in Vieste, volunteer arrested: Pegaso Civil Protection appeals for the avoidance of hasty judgements
A volunteer from the Pegaso association in Vieste has been arrested by forest carabinieri on suspicion of setting forest fires in the Gargano. The association expressed dismay but called for respect and trust in the courts.
Arrest over Gargano fires: Pegaso suspends volunteer and urges caution
A volunteer from Pegaso Civil Protection in Vieste has been arrested by forest carabinieri on suspicion of triggering several fires that affected wooded areas in the Gargano municipality. This was reported by foggiatoday.it, which broke the news of the measure and the official response of the association.
Through a statement issued on its social media channels, Pegaso expressed "great dismay" at the matter, whilst reaffirming full confidence in the work of the judiciary and law enforcement. The association called on the public not to make "hasty judgements on social media, as unfortunately is happening".
"Unverified reconstructions, suppositions, generalised accusations or comments leading to summary convictions and media lynchings should be avoided," the statement read, calling for respect, balance and a sense of responsibility as investigations take their course.
Even more serious, according to Pegaso, would be extending judgements to the entire association. "Behind a civil protection uniform are men and women who voluntarily choose to put themselves at the service of others," the statement emphasised, recalling years of emergency response interventions, prevention activities and protection of forest heritage, often conducted "in silence, away from the spotlight".
Should investigations confirm the accusations against the man, Pegaso volunteers say they are ready to acknowledge the damage done: "We would be the first to feel profoundly betrayed in the principles we represent, because the protection of territory, forest heritage and people's lives constitutes the very reason for our being civil protection volunteers".
As a precaution, the association has already suspended the volunteer under investigation. Pegaso nonetheless announces its intention to continue its activities: "It will continue to guarantee its collaboration with the Institutions and competent Authorities and will take every necessary decision in respect of regulations and the associative Statute". The statement closes with an explicit commitment to the community: "Our work will continue and we will continue to be there, with the same determination, the same spirit of service and the same love for Vieste and for our natural heritage".
Source: Google News IT — Crime (it)