A Franklin Township police officer has been praised for his role in an investigation that led to a teenager being charged last month in 19 wildfire arsons.

A 17-year-old boy was charged with setting 19 wildfires that burned across Carbon County between March and November 2025, including a mammoth Easter weekend blaze that burned 560 acres and cost more than $560,000 in damage.

Carbon County District Attorney Michael Greek announced charges at a press conference last month, calling the fires extensive in scope and saying they devastated woodlands, endangered property and placed first responders at risk.

Resident Jill Renfrew told the township’s board of supervisors on Tuesday that she noticed Franklin Township Police Detective Dave Roberts was among those at the press conference.

“I really appreciate all the work he does,” Renfrew said. “I know I feel safer with him on the streets.”

Renfrew added that she appreciates all the work the police officers do.

Supervisor Fred Kemmerer Jr. also praised Roberts, and said he believes Roberts is the best police officer in the whole county.

Kemmerer Jr. said Roberts isn’t one to seek out the spotlight.

“And maybe that’s why he’s so good at it,” Kemmerer said. “He loves what he does.”

The boy has been charged with 19 counts each of arson endangering of persons, risking a catastrophe, recklessly endangering another person and maliciously setting or causing a fire to a forest; two counts of reckless burning; and one count of arson endangering property.

The Packerton Fire began April 19 and wasn’t fully extinguished until April 26. More than 150 firefighters and first responders battled the fire, which accounted for almost 10% of all acres burned in Pennsylvania in 2025. One firefighter was injured.

Officials said the eight- to nine-month investigation was challenging due to the lack of evidence at fire origins.

Greek singled out DCNR fire foresters Jake Novitsky and Matt Waters, along with Roberts, for recognition.

The case involved collaboration among the DCNR Bureau of Forestry, Franklin Township Police Department, Franklin Township Fire Department, Lehighton Fire Department, Jim Thorpe Fire Department, Jim Thorpe Police Department and Carbon County detectives.

Greek did not comment on the investigation because the case involved a minor. The Carbon County Juvenile Probation Office will oversee the proceedings.