Fire Law Blog Fire Service and Public Safety Legal Issues Blog by Curt Varone
A November apparatus accident where personnel were not belted and the driver was driving too fast has led to serious safety related disciplinary actions by the San Antonio Fire Department, including the suspension of 3 of the 4 firefighters on board.
Citing serious cultural issues that need to be addressed, Fire Chief Charles Hood announced the suspensions last week. The November 14, 2010 accident occurred while Ladder 35 was taking a corner enroute to a structure fire. Traveling too fast into the corner, the truck rolled over and was totaled. One firefighter was seriously injured with a broken neck.
Chief Hood indicated that despite the San Antonio Fire Department having a formal seat belt policy, it was routinely being ignored. He referred to the accident as a “wake-up call” for his fire department. In an interview with the San Antonio Express, the chief said “I’ve never had to discipline for a driving infraction since I’ve been here, but a strong message needed to be sent to the members of the department.”
The most serious penalty was reserved for the officer of Ladder 35, Captain Larry Schultz. He received a 60 day suspension. The driver, Firefighter Brandon Wheeler, received a 45 day suspension. Firefighter Brad Phipps received a 5 day suspension.
The injured firefighter, Robert Arranaga, remains off injured and was not punished. Coincidentally, he was working his first shift in a line position
Chief Hood has required all personnel to view the wreckage of Ladder 35, and made it clear that he expects the company officers to ensure all firefighters are belted in before the truck leaves the station. The department plans to display the truck at the training academy as a reminder.
