Members of the Saxonburg Volunteer Fire Company say they're embarrassed by the arrest of one of their own in connection with the April burglary of the Saxonburg Fireman's Club.

Their reaction is understandable. Firefighters, whether volunteer or paid, are respected individuals in their communities. They are viewed as godsends when fires or other tragedies strike. In the eyes of those they serve, they usually are among the last people who are considered to be suspects in the aftermath of a crime being committed.

Unfortunately, there are instances when a firefighter strays from the respected image he or she has acquired through years of dedicated service, and that was what apparently happened in the case of Kory Guynup, 30, of Butler Township, a 12-year veteran firefighter who is charged with the Saxonburg club break-in.

Guynup has provided police with a one-and-a-half-page written confession regarding the burglary and also informed police that he took $50 from the "Chuck-A-Luck" booth during last month's Saxonburg Carnival.

Guynup has been suspended from the fire company, pending the completion of criminal proceedings. The suspect told police the reason he took the money from the club — $3,394 — was that he was getting backed up on child support payments and other bills.

Unfortunately, he succumbed to the pressures of his financial problems and now he has not only harmed his personal reputation, but only time will tell how his current problems will affect his home-based construction company.

There were ways other than burglary for Guynup to deal with his financial difficulties, but he chose to make the wrong choice, and he must accept full responsibility for that decision.

But Guynup's troubles with the law should not damage the image of the Saxonburg Fire Company.

Over the decades, it has proven itself to be a top-notch unit in training, expertise and dedication. The incident in question cannot erode that record of excellence.