You Didn't Ask But I'm Going To Tell You Anyway...

Current fire investigation news in Accomack County yesterday afternoon and this morning stated that there was an attempted arson at the Leatherbury United Methodist Church in Onancock, Va.

The report continues to say that Va. State Police were alerted about the incident shortly before 2 pm on Wednesday. Investigators determined that the incident had occurred within the past 24 hours.  Damages are minimal and include the social hall of this small country church.

Key word- Minimal.  Minimal compared to what?  The Leatherbury United Methodist Church is a small country church, like many in Accomack County.  It sits among the trees with a church parking lot being its nearest neighbor.  But on Sunday and holidays along with special occasions the tiny country church comes alive with a closely-knit congregation NOW faced with repairs for damages done at the hands of those who needed the satisfaction and enjoyment of creating more harm and fear into a community that has long ago had enough!

The attack on this small quiet church is probably the icing on the cake for most residents of Accomack County. We have exhausted fire departments and investigators.  And just like the residents of the community they are frustrated yet, at the sound of the tones from the 911 center are still eager to man the trucks and fight fires, giving it their best as they always have.

Yet, in spite of it all Accomack County continues to allow control burns.  Just early this morning fire departments, with the assistance of a Worcester County department, were called to to a rekindle of a control burn from Wednesday afternoon.  Under the circumstances this seems mindless and further wastes rescourses of the fire departments and all others that must attend the scene regardless of the time. 

Accomack County residents MUST keep in mind that once arrests are made the arson cases will not end.  Perhaps the fires will cease but there will be days in court for those charged and the FULL support of the community will be needed.  It will then be OUR time to report to court to show our continued support for ALL forces that has fought so diligently within the past months to protect US and our community.  A CLEAR message needs to be sent and that can be done simply by showing up at the court house. 

Anyone with information about fires is asked to call the Virginia State Police toll-free at 1-800-582-8350 or (757) 424-6820; or call the Accomack County Sheriff’s Office at (757) 787-1131.

There is a $5,000 reward.