Father of West explosion victim wants suspects caught

Wednesday’s ATF revelation that someone intentionally set the fire that lead to the explosion at a West fertilizer plant has bruised emotional scars that were still healing.

Phil Calvin's son Perry was a volunteer firefighter in Navarro Mills where his father is the fire chief. Perry Calvin was in West for an EMT class and went to help when the fire call came in at 7:29 p.m. from the fertilizer plant.

Perry Calvin died when 30 tons of ammonium nitrate exploded roughly 20 minutes later.

"It's hard for me to wrap my mind around the thought that somebody would do that on purpose,” Phil Calvin said.

Whether it's one or more persons who set the fire, Perry Calvin’s father does not mince words about the kind of justice he wants.

"I could put a bullet in every one of them. Wouldn't think twice about it,” Phil Calvin said. “Know it's not the right answer. But they cost too many people too much just in loved ones and heartache. I have no sympathy for them whatsoever."

Pastor John Crowder, First Baptist Church of West, said Wednesday’s news was a major setback emotionally for people in the tiny town.

“The questions are overwhelming,” Crowder said. “We have to have answers to those before we move on.”

There is a $52,000 available in rewards for information and tips that lead to those responsible for the deadly fire.