Buehner said that Cyphers, who began having problems around the age of 17, knew of the injuries he caused Hawley and visited him at the hospital.

“Yet, he continued to set fires knowing the risk to other firefighters,” Buehner said. “It is all self-centered, self-absorbed, narcissistic. ... There are no medications, magic buttons or pills.”

For that reason, he said Cyphers needs to be kept incarcerated so no one else would be hurt or killed.

When asked if he had anything to say, Cyphers mumbled an apology.

Naus said it was apparent that Cyphers was a pyromaniac as a youth, and that his father pulled him out of treatment too early. He said therapy should be available to Cyphers during his time in prison.

Burrows said candidates for membership in the Warrior Run Area Fire Department must pass extensive background checks. He did not know whether Cyphers was subjected to such scrutiny or whether the Washingtonville Fire Department, where Cyphers was a volunteer firefighter, knew of his conviction of arson as a juvenile.

“The judge didn’t take into consideration that firefighters are put in jeopardy every time they go out,” he said. “They are endangered when they drive to the station and when they drive to a fire scene.”

“I feel badly for Cyphers’ family and for the Hawley family,” he concluded.

Hawley attended the sentencing with his wife and daughter.

“It wasn’t too bad,” he said. “It was easier than I thought it would be.” Hawley said he was glad Cyphers pleaded guilty and owned up to the damage he had done, and was glad he didn’t try to get out of it.

“In a way,” he said, “he feels some remorse. ... I’m glad it’s over now. There’s closure to it.”

-- Reporter Wayne Laepple contributed to this article.

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Cyphers’ arsons