Robert Cromie, 56, of Wallkill, was sentenced in Ulster County Court to 1.25 to five years in State Prison by County Court Judge James Farrell. Cromie was convicted of Arson in the Third Degree, a Class C Felony, on March 7, 2024. Cromie was a member of the Wallkill Fire Department at the time he committed the crime.
Cromie intentionally started a fire on December 7, 2021 inside a garage attached to his apartment located at 18 Bona Venture Avenue in the Town of Shawangunk. The ensuing fire consumed the entire apartment. Although no one was injured, the defendant ended up carrying his wife, who was sleeping at the time, out of the apartment after starting the fire.
The case was investigated by the Ulster County Sheriff’s Office with the assistance of the Ulster County Department of Emergency Services.
“I want to stress that arson is treated as a serious crime, especially when committed by firefighters who are entrusted with protecting our community. It’s unacceptable to put our public and those that protect our public at risk through such reckless acts,” said Ulster County Director of Emergency Services Everett Erichsen. “I commend the District Attorney’s Office for taking this case seriously, sending a clear message that such actions will face consequences.
Furthermore, I applaud the collaborative efforts of our County Fire Investigation Unit and the Ulster County Sheriff’s Office for their dedicated work in investigating this case. Their partnership underscores our commitment to ensuring public safety and holding perpetrators accountable.”
“Arson is a grave offense, particularly when perpetrated by firefighters entrusted with safeguarding our community. It is intolerable to endanger both the public and those sworn to protect them through such reckless acts,” emphasized Sheriff Juan Figueroa. “I commend the District Attorney’s Office for its earnest pursuit of justice in this matter, sending a resolute message that such crime will be met with consequences. Additionally, I extend my appreciation to the collaborative endeavors of our County Fire Investigation Unit and the Ulster County Sheriff’s Office for their unwavering commitment investigating crimes of this nature. Their coordinated efforts underscore our dedication to upholding public safety and ensuring that wrongdoers are held accountable.”
“Our public officials who are duty-bound to protect the public from emergencies including fire, like this defendant, must be held accountable when they betray the trust of the community, in addition to facing the consequences of their criminal acts,” said Ulster County District Attorney Emmanuel C. Nneji. “I commend the collaborative effort undertaken by our law enforcement and first responders to support a successful prosecution in this case, and hope public officials are on notice that they must be held to the highest standard.”
This case was prosecuted by General Felonies Bureau Chief Robert Knapp. Robert Cromie was represented by the Ulster County Public Defender’s Office.