Family of Coatesville arson suspect is 'devastated'

The family of the latest Coatesville arson suspect wants the community to know that its thoughts and prayers are with the victims of the city's "ongoing tragedy."

In a statement released yesterday, members of the family of Robert F. Tracey Jr. said they were "devastated" by the allegations that he had set two fires. They described themselves as quiet and private and said they would not grant interviews.

The fires, which were set on March 20 and caused no injuries or damage to homes, brought the number of 2009 arsons in Coatesville to 22.

Since February 2008, federal investigators say 70 arsons have plagued the Coatesville area. Tracey, 37, of Coatesville, is one of seven suspects in custody; investigators have linked 24 fires to them.

The statement described the relatives as longtime volunteers in area schools, churches and fire departments. Tracey's grandfather, Edward Tracey, received an award in October 2004 for 67 years of membership in the Coatesville Fire Bureau.

The former captain of Coatesville's West End Fire Company, where he had volunteered for nearly 25 years, Robert F. Tracey was hired by the city on Feb. 9 as a part-time firefighter. That job forced him to give up his position as captain of the volunteers, city officials said.

The statement also expressed concern "for Robert Tracey's well-being," adding that the family "will continue to support him as best we can."