Former firefighter charged with Plymouth home arson

Patrick Michael Nolan

A former Northville firefighter is facing up to life in prison and multiple fines if convicted of arson in a 2019 Plymouth Township house fire.

Patrick Michael Nolan, 40, faces one count of arson of an insured dwelling and one count of second-degree arson in the burning of a home he owned on the 50000 block of Sheffield Court in Plymouth Township on Jan. 1, 2019.  The home was insured for $1 million due to fire losses, according to court documents. Michigan State Police investigators determined the fire started in the master bedroom, a basement storage room and a common hall at the top of the basement stairs. The investigators determined that an accelerant was used in all three separate areas and that the fire was caused by an individual.

Reports indicated that Nolan's truck was parked at the home within two hours of a neighbor reporting the fire. That information was obtained, investigators said, by a review of the electronics installed in the vehicle.

According to Northville officials, Nolan was employed with the Northville Fire Department from August of 2017 until September of 2018 when he resigned his position as a firefighter.  

Nolan's former wife notified authorities of her concerns regarding his involvement in the fire at the home immediately after the blaze. He was previously convicted of aggravated stalking and was on probation until February of 2019 on that charge. His former wife said he had terrorized her with death threats and used a helicopter and a firearm while stalking her. The couple owned Priority One, an emergency service equipment supplier located on Belleville Road in Canton Township. The company sells and installs equipment for police vehicles. According to the victim, Nolan hacked into the business phone system and into her cell phone. She claimed he shut down utilities at the business and closed several company bank accounts and canceled credit cards.  She told the court during a hearing for a Personal Protection Order that she had moved four times during the legal process but that he located her each time.

Nolan's bond was set at $250,000 or 10-percent and he must forfeit all weapons, his passport and will be placed on a tether if released.  His next court appearance is set for tomorrow, July 16, and a preliminary court examination on the charges is scheduled for July 23.