Couple arrested for selling faulty fire suppression systems to daycares, other businesses

JACKSON — A couple from Smith County have been arrested this week for selling faulty used fire suppression systems inside daycares and other businesses in at least 13 Mississippi counties.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office, with the assistance of the Smith County Sheriff’s Office, served a search warrant at the home of Daniel Finnegan and his wife, Sherri Finnegan, in Smith County. Based on information found during that search, more than 50 charges are pending in Adams, Covington, Hinds, Jones, Jefferson, Leake, Madison, Newton, Rankin, Warren, Winston, and Yazoo Counties, in addition to charges in Smith County.

The couple is accused of installing faulty and used fire suppression systems in commercial kitchens through their business, Finnegan’s Fire Safety Equipment, based in Pelahatchie.

They face charges of false pretense and violation of the Mississippi Fire Prevention Code in at least 13 counties.

The systems did not work and were not tested before being placed into service, putting people at risk in the event of fire. Mr. Finnegan was also tagging fire extinguishers without testing them and was repainting and replacing parts on used fire extinguishers and selling them as new. The couple also operated their business without registering with the Secretary of State.

Finnegan sold many systems to daycares and other businesses.

While some of those businesses are known, the State Fire Marshal’s Office is asking others who bought systems from Finnegan to call 601-359-1061 to report their experience.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office will provide resources to those businesses so they can replace the faulty systems with new ones, using reputable companies.

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