Well-known local contractor confesses to arson charges, police say

Bruce 'Bruno' Hayn at the site of an 'Extreme Makeover: Home Edition' home in Voluntown, on which Hayn was the lead contractor.

Local contractor and Colchester Board of Finance Vice Chairman Bruce “Bruno” Hayn was arrested by the Norwich police last week on charges of first-degree arson, criminal attempt to commit first-degree arson, insurance fraud and second-degree giving a false statement.

The charges result from an Oct. 27 fire that severely damaged Shur Fire Energy – a wood stove business located in Norwich that is owned by Hayn.

Initial reports said that the fire was accidental, caused by a problem with an electrical box, and Hayn received an initial insurance claim of about $25,000 on losses totaling about $600,000. However, according to published reports, video recordings from the night of the fire show Hayn at the scene starting the fire.

He confessed to initiating the blaze late last week, police said.

Hayn, president of Home Designs by Bruno, is best known as the lead contractor in a nationally-televised 2008 “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” show in which he led thousands of volunteers in building a new home for the Girard family of Voluntown. The family had lost both the father and the eldest son in a summer drowning accident.

Hayn also helped a Griswold family rebuild their home in 2009, after it was destroyed by fire. For his volunteer work, Hayn was given the Distinguished Service Award by the Builders Association of Eastern Connecticut in 2009. He also received the Toastmasters International Communication and Leadership Award.

Colchester First Selectman Gregg Schuster said that he was “shocked and saddened” by the arrest. “Bruce has made numerous contributions to this community over the last 20 years and is entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. I’m sure Mr. Hayn will be considering if he should continue serving on the Board of Finance. I hope he will make a decision that is in the best interest of the community,” said Schuster, soon after Hayn’s arrest.

As of Monday, Jan. 23, Hayn was still listed as vice chairman of the BOF on the town website. Hayn was released on a $100,000 bond and was due to be arraigned in Norwich Superior Court on Jan. 26.