Also who will respond to all the domestic disturbance, traffic crash, suspicious activity, burglary, and other calls that come in on a regular basis? There's only so many cops to go around.

BTW, the police at the funeral home are off duty – at least that's how it is in other cities where I've attended cop and fire fighter funerals. What they do on their own time is none of your damn business you insensitive twit.

we have differing opinions i guess.

However, your comments about police rituals are out of line. To call it a “ritual” is disrespectful. When a policeman is killed, the force does everything they can to support an officer's family in their time of need. This can include spending time with the family in their home. This is not done while officers are on duty or required for calls. It is unacceptable to imply that officers are sitting around at a widow/widower's home in lieu of actually working. Since police offers do not make much money (like firemen and medics), the concept of providing internal financial and emotional support is key. I don't think this is much different from the rituals that military families have for fellow fallen soldiers' families.

Why make comments like this about a dead man's friends and co-workers?

When you need a policeman, fireman or medic, nothing else will do.

I was just thinking the same thing. WHY haven't the cops started stake-outs in this area?

I am surprised that this person has set this many that have gotten so big before they are discovered or alarms triggered.

@arsonist: seek help before this turns out like the events that put Pang in prison. Or just quit before you get caught. The next one is the one that could trip you up. Only a matter of time.

With that in mind, I'd like to recall the story of Martin Pang, who set fire to his family's business in order to collect the insurance. Unfortunately, 2 firefighters died in the blaze, which was not Pang's intent. He got charged with murder anyway. You can find him in solitary confinement.

You're going to get caught. Maybe not today or tomorrow, but you will. And years from now, as you're sitting in your cell looking at that long stretch of jailhouse wall, you'll remember what you gave up. Your freedom, your choice, your dignity. You'll have no one to hate but yourself.

If you remember anything, you'll remember that.

i'm sure i'll be flamed but the times has a story detailing many “rituals” and traditions to respect fallen officers, such as a couple officers sitting at the funeral home at all times until burial, etc…

i think we could use all the officers we have, especially with this dangerous arsonist running wild.