LISBON - A 25-year-old Franklin Square man received probation for trying to prevent fire trucks from responding to a fire on his property.

Andy Entrikin, of state Route 558, was sentenced Friday to five years probation during a hearing before county Common Pleas Court Judge C. Ashley Pike. This was after Entrikin had pleaded guilty to obstructing official business, which carried a maximum possible sentence of one year in prison. Assistant County Prosecutor Tammie Rile Jones recommended he receive probation.

The incident occurred last April, when the Leetonia Volunteer Fire Department was advised of a house trailer on fire at the Entrikin family property. It was later learned Entrikin was in the process of burning the vacant trailer when a neighbor called the fire department.

Fire Chief William Garlough was driving one of the firetrucks to the scene when Entrikin reportedly passed him in a vehicle and then began swerving. Entrikin also reportedly tapped his brakes, forcing Garlough to slam on his brakes and nearly cause the firetruck to skid into another vehicle.

Entrikin later told investigators he was angry someone had called the fire department and decided to slow its arrival to give his family time to extinguish the blaze.

During yesterday's hearing, Assistant Prosecutor Jones said although Entrikin placed the firefighters at risk, he had no prior criminal record, was truthful to investigators, and appeared genuinely remorseful.

These same arguments were raised by his attorney, public defender Jennifer Gorby, who said, Entrikin realizes his actions "could have been very harmful ... and he acknowledges that." She also noted her client has a learning disability.

"I'd just like to apologize for all the trouble I caused," said a contrite Entrikin, when it was his time to address the judge.

"You realize we have to yield to all emergency vehicles?" Pike asked him.

"Yes," Entrikin replied.

Pike said his decision to place Entrikin on probation was based on all of the factors raised in his favor by both attorneys, plus the fact he already spent four days in the county jail on the charge following his arrest.

"I'm sure that wasn't a pleasant experience," Pike said.

"I didn't like that all," Entrikin agreed.

As part of his probation, Entrikin was ordered to perform 40 hours of community service. Pike warned Entrikin violating his probation could result in a prison sentence.

tgiambroni@mojonews.com