Watertown fire team wins arson investigation award

A team of fire investigators from Watertown was presented an award from the International Association of Arson Investigators at a banquet Thursday night in Montour Falls.

The award cites the group for the successful probe into the fire of Dec. 8, 2007, that destroyed an apartment building at 201-205 Academy St. Two men were injured, and 30 residents were displaced. Carlos L. Rivera, 32, is serving a 25-year prison sentence after being convicted on 10 counts, including arson, in August 2008.

Receiving award certificates Thursday were four members of the Watertown Fire Department: Capt. Joseph Compo, Capt. Theodore G. Kolb and firefighters Scott W. Kolb and Charles Waugh, and city police Detective Stephen R. Backus. District Attorney Cindy F. Intschert also is cited for successful prosecution of the case.