Ex-Chicago Fireman Guilty of Setting Fires

The AP reports:

A former Chicago Fire Department lieutenant pleaded guilty to setting a string of fires in the city and suburban Park Ridge and was sentenced to six years in prison.

Jeffrey Boyle, 47, apologized in court Tuesday, saying that drinking and stress contributed to his actions.

"I have learned to admit your mistake when you're wrong, and it will be better later," Boyle told Judge Dennis Porter. "I thank God no one was injured. I believe it started when I couldn't handle all the stress I was under."

One of four fires set in Chicago over a week in February 2005 caused more than $200,000 in damage to a school. The Park Ridge fires, spanning from 1998 to 2001, mostly were in detached garages.

Jeffrey Boyle is the brother of the infamous John "Quarters" Boyle. Chicago has a certain family tradition that goes into government.