Columbia Firefighter Suspended Without Pay During Ongoing Investigation

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO)- The Columbia City Manager has issued a statement regarding an ongoing fatal arson investigation where a Columbia Firefighter is a person of interest.

“At this time, I have issued a directive to suspend the Columbia firefighter who has been identified as a person of interest in the ongoing arson investigation that is being conducted by the Columbia Police Department and SLED,” City Manager Teresa Wilson said in a statement.  “This action will be effective immediately and the firefighter will be placed on investigatory suspension without pay until further notice.  This decision was made after conferring with officials with the Columbia Police Department.  Due to the fact that the firefighter has not complied or cooperated with the Columbia Police Department, I made the decision to suspend the employee from active service with the City of Columbia.

It is in the best interest of the city and our citizens for the employee in question to be relieved of his duties until the ongoing arson investigation has been closed.  Chief Aubrey D. Jenkins is in full support of this decision, however I have  personally issued the directive for the employee to be suspended in order to maintain an appropriate distance between the Columbia Fire Department and the ongoing investigative process.”

Columbia Police Chief Skip Holbrook announced Friday evening that the person of interest previously being sought for questioning in connection with a deadly arson investigation had been identified as an active Columbia firefighter.

Officers received various tips on the man’s positive identification after CPD released surveillance pictures of him this morning.

After being contacted by law enforcement today, the firefighter refused to be questioned and requested an attorney.

Investigators believe that the man has material information to the circumstances surrounding the arson which resulted in the death of 80-year- old True Dent Henderson at Plantation Court Apartments last Sunday.

According to Richland County Coroner Gary Watts, the victim, 80-year- old True Dent Henderson died from smoke inhalation.

The intentionally set fire is being investigated by CPD, the Columbia Fire Department (CFD) and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED).

Related: Overnight Fire Claims One Life