Suspect in Custody for L.M + U.M. Fires | Another Mysterious Fire on Philmont Ave

Author

Jamie Buck
January 26, 2024

In Today’s Huntingdon Valley Insider:

📅 Friday, January 26, 2024
🔥 Suspect in Custody for L.M + U.M. Fires
🚒 Mysterious Building Fire: Philmont Ave
🤑 New PA Tax Credits Enhancing Support
🤔 Town Trivia: How well do you know H.V.?
⛅️ Weather + 🎭 Events + 🏈 Sports
🎖️ Local Business Directory + 💁‍♂️ Feature your Business

👀 for best viewing, Read Online

Suspected Arsonist in Custody for Huntingdon Valley and Willow Grove and Fires

Sean Gahagan, 56, from Lebanon, Pennsylvania, faces multiple charges of arson following his arrest by Upper Moreland police. The charges, announced by Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin R. Steele, alongside Upper Moreland Township Police Chief Andrew J. Block and Lower Moreland Police Chief David J. Scirrotto, are linked to two fires on December 29, 2023. One fire occurred at JG Transmissions, an auto mechanic shop in Upper Moreland Township, and the other at a residential property in Huntingdon Valley, Lower Moreland Township.

The incident at JG Transmissions began around 8:45 pm, with firefighters and police arriving to find the building ablaze, especially around the front office. Fifteen minutes earlier, a fire was reported at a shed on Huntingdon Pike in Lower Moreland. Police managed to extinguish this fire before firefighters arrived.

Investigations revealed both fires were deliberately set, with evidence of arson found inside the shed, including a can of “Gum Cutter,” a flammable product used by JG Transmissions. A joint investigation by local police linked Gahagan, a former employee of JG Transmissions, to the incidents. Earlier that day, Gahagan, dressed in a camouflage jacket and driving a red Chevrolet Cobalt, had visited the shop seeking work but was turned away.

Surveillance footage showed a vehicle matching Gahagan's near both fire locations shortly before they were reported. Additionally, license plate readers identified his vehicle. Gahagan was arrested on January 1 by Lebanon City Police for trespassing in a church, wearing attire matching the suspect seen in the surveillance footage.

Charged with first-degree felony arson and six other felony counts, Gahagan was arraigned on January 19 by Magisterial District Judge Denise Ashe, who set bail at $500,000 cash. He is currently held at Montgomery County Correctional Facility, with a bail review hearing scheduled for January 26 and a preliminary hearing on January 29.

Investigation Launched into Mysterious Commercial Building Fire on Philmont Avenue

In Lower Southampton Township, a commercial building on Philmont Avenue became the focus of local firefighting efforts on Wednesday. The incident drew the attention of several fire crews from Lower Bucks, including the Feasterville Fire Company, which led the response. On arriving at the scene, these teams worked collaboratively to manage and extinguish the blaze. Support was provided by units from Trevose Fire Company Station 4/84, Lower Southampton Fire Department No.1, and Huntingdon Valley Fire Company.

The operation involved deploying hose lines and setting up ladders to combat the fire effectively. Currently, the cause of the fire remains unclear, and it is under thorough investigation by both the Bucks County Fire Marshal’s Office and the township's fire marshal. The swift response of the fire teams prevented any escalation, showcasing the preparedness and efficiency of the local fire departments.

New Tax Credits: PA Enhances Support for Homeowners, Seniors, and Families

In 2024, thousands of Pennsylvanians will have access to a range of expanded financial relief programs, which are set to benefit homeowners, seniors, parents, and adults with disabilities. Governor Josh Shapiro, together with local lawmakers, highlighted these changes during a visit to the Greater Johnstown Community YMCA in Cambria County. The revamped tax credit and rebate initiatives promise to put significant financial relief back into the hands of eligible citizens.

Governor Shapiro emphasized the bipartisan effort in achieving these changes, stating, “We’re cutting costs, putting money back in people’s pockets, helping families and seniors get by – and we got this done by working together with Democrats and Republicans.”

Key expansions in the relief programs include:

Property Tax Rent Rebate: This program, particularly aimed at older adults and people with disabilities, has undergone significant changes. It now includes around 175,000 additional Pennsylvanians, with the maximum rebate increasing from $650 to $1,000 on property taxes and rent paid in 2023. There's also a provision for supplemental rebates, offering an extra $190 to $500 for applicants with annual incomes of $30,000 or less. Furthermore, the income cap for renters and homeowners has been raised to $45,000 annually. Applications for this program are open until June 30, 2024.

Child Care Credit Increase: The state child care credit has seen a substantial rise from $630 to $2,100, now matching 100 percent of the federal credit, a significant increase from the previous 30 percent match. This change could benefit more than 200,000 Pennsylvanians. Eligibility for this credit extends to households with dependent children under 13 or individuals who are physically or mentally unable to care for themselves.

Governor Shapiro's office and local representatives, like Rep. Frank Burns, are actively working to assist residents in applying for these programs and staying informed about their eligibility.

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🦅 Vic Fangio, the newly appointed defensive coordinator for the Eagles, brings a wealth of experience and respect from his peers to the role. With a 36-year coaching tenure in the NFL, Fangio is well-positioned to introduce fresh ideas and strategies to revitalize the Eagles' defense.

🏀 Joel Embiid of the 76ers has achieved another significant milestone, further establishing his place in the franchise's history. Just 3 days after breaking one of Wilt Chamberlain's franchise records, Embiid was named as an Eastern Conference starter for the NBA All-Star Game, marking his 7th selection for this prestigious event.

⚾️ With Rhys Hoskins officially departing from the Phillies to join the Milwaukee Brewers on a two-year deal, the Phillies are entering a new phase. Hoskins move comes after recovering from an ACL tear last season.

🏒 The Flyers traded Ivan Provorov to the Columbus Blue Jackets in a three-team trade with the Los Angeles Kings on June 6, yielding a return of Cal Petersen, Sean Walker, Helge Grans, a 2023 first-round pick, a 2024-second round pick, and a conditional 2024 second-round pick for Philadelphia.

As if Fridays couldn’t get any better around the office, National Fun at Work Day falls on the last Friday of January! Whether you work for a small office or a large organization, injecting fun into the workplace is a great way to bond with coworkers, boost team morale, gain inspiration, and even increase productivity.

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