STATter911.com has learned a firefighter is suspended while an investigation is underway into a firehouse sleepover. The allegations involve a volunteer at the Burtonsville Volunteer Fire Department in Montgomery County, Maryland.
According to sources familiar with the investigation, the firefighter returned to the station at Briggs Chaney Road and Old Columbia Pike with his date following a Saturday night out. She spent the night.
Her presence in the firehouse became very clear shortly before 5:00 AM on the morning of October 8. The sources say the woman was heading to the bathroom, but instead stopped along the way and used the bunk of a Montgomery County career firefighter as a toilet. That firefighter was asleep in the bed at the time.
Assistant Chief Scott Graham, a Montgomery County Fire & Rescue Service spokesman, confirms that an investigation is ongoing. Graham says the fire chief’s office was notified of the incident by the chief and president of the Burtonsville Volunteer Fire Department. Montgomery County is not officially saying what allegations are being investigated.
Contacted by phone, Burtonsville Volunteer Fire Department Chief Rob Ryan says he can’t comment due to the investigation.
Also on STATter911 …
- Regime change at Burtonsville VFD. Leadership resigns & takes demotions in battle with Montgomery County, Maryland. – March 21, 2011
- Montgomery County takes over Burtonsville VFD. Cites sex, public urination & safety concerns at MD firehouse. Volunteers call it retaliation over ambulance fee fight. – March 1, 2011
- Sleep tight & don’t let the …. Sorry, too late for Montgomery County, Maryland firefighters. Bed bugs at three stations. – September 2, 2011
- Early video: Basement fire in Montgomery County, Maryland. – May 5, 2012
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Explain how this is news worthy. Dave Statter is the Jerry Springer of the FD and you are nothing more than a buff.
Dave you are a turd!
How is this story news worthy? Dave Statter is nothing more than a buff and is the Jerry Springer of the Fire Department.
WOW! good job guys! Way to make the Volunteers look bad!
It’s about time this story got out!
Dave how about you investigate how the paid staff has they’re own engine in service and cant ride with the volunteers
Dave you are nothing more than a tabloid report. As a “news man” you should be embarrased that these are the only “stories” your network lets you cover. I for one would actually want to make a difference as a journalist and cover real news that might actually benifit our region/society, not this garbage.
Hey PGVoly, why don’t you worry about your own county Volunteers looking good. I ain’t seen a Volunteer over here setting the fires.
I may or may not be guilty of any or all of the above. That’s for others to decide.
The interesting thing to point out is that five out of the eight previous comments, from Wes, Tom, Mike and two that are anonymous, all are coming from the same computer.
As for the person who asked about the career staff using only certain apparatus, I am asking some questions what that is all about and would like to understand the issues from both sides a little further.
You can contact me at dstatter@wusa9.com.
Now back to you Wes, Tom, Mike and the various other names I have seen you use on this forum (which BTW is your right to do so and will not keep me from posting your comments).
Statter
Thanks Dave, these Union Brothers are idiots! Adult males, 30 somethings that refuse to grow up. They live in firehouses and party with ladies that like firemen! This issue does not even scratch the surface at 15. Did there moms not show them enough love as children? We thank the IAFF Local 36 (Washington DC)members of the BVFD that take leave to staff the second and third engines to show MCFR how strong they are.I hope the RUBE finds you guys on sick leave one day! It must suck to have to call in sick in DC to come out to sorry Montgomery County to play with Fire Trucks. Maybe we can use some of our leave to spend with our families not breaking windows like school yard babies. I hope someday old Ike Leggett sees the light with the BVFD. Long live the clowns!
WHen “Volunteers” gobble up government money in Taj Mahals and pull sophmorish pranks like this, the public has a right to know. Some volunteer companies aren’t like real volly stations, they just love using the volunteer name.
If I was that paid guy in that bed I woulda punched here in the pafoofnik and had her arrested. Its bad enough you gotta worry about getting exposed to body fluids on a call, ya shouldn’t have to use rubber sheets in yer bed, or was that what the volly was usin?
Its better to be a pissed off paid guy, then PISSED ON…
I wonder who LEAKED this story…
They said the new guy was wet behind the ears, but this is ridiculous…
In these tough economic times MCFR was forced to offer an alternative to golden handshakes to encourage early retirments…
Thank You Folks, Ill be here all week, tip your waitress
I could actually care less about who pee-peed on who. Come on Dave, you were around a long time ago, I’m sure worse has happened.
Investigate why Mo.Co. put a career engine in there eventhough the volunteers claim thy can ataff everything. That would be a story worth reading.
We have our problems over here on the good side of the river but this is ridiculous. We don’t allow our firehouses to be flop houses. We don’t allow someone who has been out partying to crash at the station and we don’t allow civilians to crash at the station. Who brings their girlfriend to the firehouse after a date? Grow the f#@* up over there, act professional, don’t treat the firehouse like a frat house.
Anonymous says
Hey PGVoly, why don’t you worry about your own county Volunteers looking good. I ain’t seen a Volunteer over here setting the fires.
on December 1, 2009 @ 8:31 pm.
Nope he was a career “professional” firefighter.
HAHAHA THIS IS TOO FUNNY,BEING A FIREMAN IS SO ENTERTAINING
Now that’s a rude 5am wake up call
Its been a while but the volleys are back in the news thanks
Dave for the story. I will be visiting your site more often now.
Oh well. Crap happens!
Hey Mr. Proud IAFF Member, do you have proof that the boys at 15 are calling in sick to the DCFD so they can hang out and staff the second or third engine? I think they are just telling you that so you can start more rumors. Can you tell me why you are a Proud IAFF Member and what you have against Vol or the members @ 15. Didn’t your mother tell you to worry about yourself and not others? You need to get your facts straight about what you think your union brothers are doing.
Dave, I hope you find out why the county pulled all the paid crew off Burtonsville Apparatus and placed one of those foam units there for them to ride.
One young man makes one bad decision and all of you have to make it worse by tarnishing the reputation of an entire organization that exists only to help others? Then, to make it even worse, you carry on like this to further embarrass the entire fire service and make everyone look unprofessional and childish. On a fire, it is all for one, and one for all. We would never fail to support one another on a critical incident, why do we feel it is OK back in the firehouse?
Did that volunteer have a date with R. Kelly? “pee pee pee, poo poo poo i wanna piss on you.” Dave please find out more about this career vs volunteer staffing issue. your readers want to know about THAT!!! but an occasional golden shower lightens things up a bit.
While I understand that it might have been a slow news day, I’m confused how an incident under investigation is news. An incident occurred. The management of the corporation notified the county and in investigation was started. By your own reporting the investigation is on going. On face value, it looks like a volunteer firefighter exercised poor decision making by bringing a visitor to the firehouse. While I don’t know the corporations rules and regulations, I think its safe to say the volunteer violated them. Let the county complete it’s investigation, and allow the corporation to act on the information provided. Once they’ve acted, don’t expect any specific details on punishment as personnel issues are always confidential.
While you are camped out in front of Station 15, why don’t you dig into the recent staffing issues there? I’m told the county placed a Reserve Engine in the station and stopped allowing the career personnel to ride the corporation owned Engine, Truck, and Rescue Squad. How is this change affecting the safety of the citizens and visitors to the North East corner of Montgomery County?
This is certainly not the first time a drunk has peed on someone in the bunkroom… it’s happened twice at my station.
As for the career/volunteer staffing issue at 15, according to an official memo that I have seen it is because of some volunteers there not adhering to MCFRS regulations concerning staffing requirements and state laws concerning seat belt use.
I would like to thank all the Local 36 members who come up to Burtonsville to show Local 1664 how it’s done. Your leadership is inspiring.
In her defense, bed and bidet do sound similar.
So, you think that as a reporter I should just wait for whatever the government hands me and report that? That would be like me asking you just to wait outide until that room and contents fire meets you at the front door.
No one seems to be disputing the facts.
Again, I would like to know more about the issues involving the staffing of equipment. I did start to ask those questions yesterday about other issues between MCFRS and Burtonsville. Please send me some more info. dstatter@wusa9.com.
As for news judgment, I certainly understand the argument that you may not think the waste management/sleepover issue is news. The possibility of sex in the firehouse is really not that shocking to me, but I think the general public expects something different.
The idea that a firefighter had to put up with someone’s date relieving herself in such a manner sure is different and a story that I have never had to deal with in getting close to 40 years in the news business, much of it covering the fire service.
While it may be gross and a little tabloidish, I think it meets the definition of news. But that’s just my opinion.
Thanks for reading and writing.
Statter
Here is an idea. Dont bring drunk civilians back to the firehouse especially at 5 in the morning. Then there wouldnt be a story for statter to tell all.
As for the BVFD trying to push the issue about the career guys not riding with the volunteers, good luck with that. maybe if you all didnt act like goons, it never would have happened.
good luck proving your side but the truth is that in the end of both stories you (the bvfd) will only help prove to the citizens what idiots they really have “protecting” their lives and property. If MCFR had the testicular fortitude, the staffing would be moved out of the station and let you guys hold your own fate.
Look at the bright side guys, then you all could come back with drunks gfs and have your golden showers without statter hearing about it.
Dave – I don’t know who Wes, Tom and “other various names” are, however I am the “Mike.” I use one name and one name only, my own.
I have a story suggestion for you. You should do a story about a tabloid report who has trouble gathering facts and falsely accused multiple readers of his of being only one person. The problem was this reporter did not properly verify his facts and likes to fantasize events and actions. Had he not jumped the gun and put his personal feelings in the way, remaining unbiased, he would have found out through his down and dirty reporting style that computers on a shared network or through some (ISP)internet service providers can ALL display the same IP address if
1) they connected behind a network firewall
2) connected to a broadband service using dynamic IP addressing.
I hope my computer is different enough for you this time. On that note, it sounds like Wes, Tom and “other various names” might have rubbed you the wrong way Mr. Dave “Jerry Springer” Statter.
Nope he was a career “professional” firefighter.
Terminated as opposed to have been elected as a Vol Chief Officer. Let’s leave that can of worms shut.
Hey WFDT, You’re welcome! It’s obvious that you need to be shown how it’s done. We can see that every time we go to a fire with you guys. At least it’s a start for you to admit that. It must have been hard.
Hi Mike,
First of all no one rubs me the wrong way. I have no ego with this stuff and don’t expect everyone to like me or agee with me.
I know this is a different concept than the way we are supposed to react and just hate everyone who disagrees with our position. But I am actually interested in the opinion of others. That’s how I learn.
Yes, I am aware where that ISP address comes from and there are likely many different computers and people who could be involved. I am sorry to lump the one from “Mike” into that group. I misread the time and thought it come in with the initial wave of virtually the same message under different names within a few minutes. Sure it could be different people. My hunch is it isn’t.
I should remind you it wasn’t me who invited the woman in for a night at the firehouse and it wasn’t me who couldn’t find the bathroom. If it helps to take your anger out at me, that’s what I am here for.
I appreciate you writing, reading and even correcting me.
Jerry … (aka Statter)
Let me guess… this girl was below the legal age to drink so he took her back to the fire station to hide her until she sobered up and he could take her home? What a toolbag.
I do not know which is worse, the attention paid to Tiger Woods while a Seattle cop-killer was loose or that you got 4 comments on
Augustine’s article and 30+ on Burtonsville ..
You really enjoy engaging those that comment! Especially the
pissed-off ones
Nice. It does’t appear as Dave went looking for this story. It appears as though it came from a News network and Dave is just passing it forward.
Let’s see if what happens if some one used your bed for a toilet………..then see who is laughing.
Keep up the good work Dave
Is there a chance that the ‘victim’ in this case goes by the name ‘John’?
Sorry I may be wrong with my original post ………
either way , they were idiots.
Keep up the good work.
BTW someone had to LEAK the story.
Actually this story came to me via an anonymous tip through the comments section of this blog.
Statter
OK Guys. Enough said about who,what,why,where this unfortunate incident originated. Yes it makes me sick as well. The comments against Mr. Statter are somewhat out of Line/unwarranted. I read where IAFF people are having a good laugh. Mr. Statter is a professional Journalist. If he neglected to bring this disgusting issue to light there would comments that he is covering up. Whatever occurs with the outcome of this incident I am inclined to believe the right decisions will prevail. Burtonsville VFD must now ensure the Taxpaying Citizens they serve/protect will continue without hesitation or predjudice. Sterotyping The Volunteers/MCFRS is way out of Line and those individuals know better. As far as why MCFRS put a County Engine in Burtonsville, (1) from what I can understand there have been complaints/violations of MCFRS Firefighter Safety Rquirements. ie; Personnel who arenot on the IECS/ not wearing Safety Belts when Apparatus responds or leaves the Station. The Firefighter Safety Requirements are in place for all Firefighters in Montgomery County. Career/Volunteer. The Career People must follow the Safety Rules/Policies in their job. By putting an Engine in Burtonsville the Career Staff is following their Job responsibilities. Stereo type of anyone especially in Public safety is wrong. You individuals realize this. You just donot care to recognize MCFRS Efforts to ensure everyone’s Safety.
They need the Kentland punishment. Do not leave your first due! Place units at all Montgomery County bordering stations with a Rescue and a Truck and staff it!
Hey IAFF Local 36 Vollie, get a life and grow up. This system does not need you. We have real volunteers like Eric Bernard and Marcine Goodloe. This little ego trip you guys at 15 are on comes from all the ambulance days in DC. Play by the rules or get out. Maybe this will open the County Exec’s eyes to the games and childish actions at Burtonsville.
I just don’t get it, how about living the american dream, 2 kids, a house (with no Fire trucks), a yard maybe even a wife. If you have a wife now,somebody probably has a girlfriend that you pay for while you are making a difference on that 2nd or 3rd engine. Maybe they do back windows. Good job losers!
Mr. Statter,
I do appreciate the “check” you provide on the fire service in the area for the benefit of the taxpayers.
That being said, I would question the importance of using your limited time/resources on a story like this as compared to widespread and quite frequent OPERATIONAL (both from incompetence as well as union sanctioned lazyness) errors committed by “professional” and even some volunteer firefighters (mostly the former IMHO, if a volly is sick of the job, they just don’t come in). These would be things such as poor overhaul causing rekindles (a recent one in west county is a good example), not being able to affect rescues as well as officer incompetence, lack of aggressiveness in preventing fire damage to property, and lastly and perhaps most egregious is lack of ladders being thrown putting FIREFIGHTER LIVES AT STAKE…. Issues that actually affects the services provided to citizens of the county as well their PROPERTY, LIVES and the LIVES OF FIREFIGHTERS.
I know this is stuff people complain about on the watchdesk and over the kitchen table every so often, but I still find it frankly stupid that these incidents that cost life and property warrant less outrage and news time!!! Perhaps we should have a paradigm shift and look at them in a more serious light.
If a doctor is negligent, there are consequences, if his girlfriend pees on a nurse NO ONE CARES.
This is to everyone, please put things into perspective.
Thanks
who hasnt brought a girl back to the volunteer house?????
To the last person. Very good points.
I try to find a variety of things to put on here from the local area. And you are correct about putting things in perspective and keeping in mind what is really important. I do keep that in mind and sometimes I am more successful than others.
But I do need to point out that in looking at the numbers for today, the Burtonsville story and the tanker close call with the pedestrian seem to be very interesting to a whole lot of people who read the blog (and as Mike Ward points out is generating the most comments). The Burtonsville story is also getting a big audience on the TV station’s website.
It is all a big juggling act for me that I have to handle in conjunction with my TV duties. There are many stories I don’t have the time to investigate or take much longer because I am not also working on them for TV. There are only so many hours in a day.
This is not an excuse. Just the reality of my world.
The Burtonsville story just happened to be one of three fire related stories I pitched over two days for TV and the one that my bosses went with. I still would have likely reported it, because it is a bit different, but would not have done the on camera portion (which, in this case, I also had to shoot, write and edit).
I was aware of the rekindle, but by the time I got around to getting the details it was old news (I know … so is the Burtonsville case … but it is still being investigated). I also didn’t have pictures of that fire (and yes, I know I didn’t have pictures on Burtonsville either … thankfully).
It is always good to be reminded of the things you wrote about.
Thanks,
Statter
you all suck you all are losers for sitting here and typing five pages about 15 and a girl who was drunk and pissed on a paid guy you all are just mad cause you get no girls……. in your face losers xoxo gossip girl
The sad thing about statter is he writes about bad stories like this one but doesn’t write about good ones. I know we’re not talking about pg county but where’s the story about the multiple rescues berwin heights co14 made a couple weeks ago unless I missed it. Everybody in the fire department has an ego problem which is why the watch desk and this site exist.
They break windows when they vent and throw ladders which is they’re job. Can’t fault them for doing the job that most guys just don’t care about.
Also,
A reminder to all. This is still a site operated by a TV station. I have had some well thought out comments that people spent time on that I had to kill because of a four-letter word or two.
I am not offended by the language. But I would like to stay employed for a while longer.
Statter
Dave keep up the good work. Your unbiased reporting is a breath of fresh air. Too bad the “two hatters” at Burtonsville don’t like your reporting.You are however doing your job. I don’t know how Montgomery County can let this incident go away without some kind of punishment for all involved.
It seems that Burtonsville has always gotten away with things that deserved punishment.We all know why but those individuals are not part of the system anymore.It is time for Chief Bowers to set an example.
Brian,
Are you talking about this fire that I had posted with video a little more than an hour after it was reported (on my day off)? Sorry you missed it.
http://statter911.com/2009/10/17/early-video-of-3-alarm-prince-georges-county-fire-water-supply-problems-and-multiple-transports-from-the-scene/
If you mean by not posting the good news, I don’t do stories on people showing up at work and doing their job as they are supposed to, I am guilty. I am not sure that is news.
I am interested in saves and good deeds done by firefighters. I have to know about them. I am also interested in the not so good stuff that may have a greater lesson for all.
Please remember this is a blog geared toward firefighters and EMS crews and not necessarily the general public. It needs to be interesting to the audience. The routine events don’t always fit that requirement.
May I suggest that you start a blog or website that runs only only good news about fire departments and EMS. I am curious if there would be an interest in that.
Thanks for your thoughts.
Statter
Let’s be very clear on several issues. 1) No where is this a two hatter issue. Burtonsville has numerous members who work in other IAFF jurisdictions while even more members hold normal civilian jobs no affiliated with the fire department. 2) The incident in question is still under investigation. We can compare this to a volunteer and career issue, which it can easily be interpreted as such, but reality is that it is. A young man made a mistake that anyone else could have made and is now suffering the consequences for this. 3) The issues with the career staffing at station 15 are actually caused by the DFRS personnel and the Volunteer personnel not agreeing on riding positions. One particular Career Captain refused to ride anything other than the Engine and complained through his chain of command and actually got what he wanted. The County Career Leadership was done hearing all of the complaing for the career personnel and assigned them to staff the medic unit and career reserve engine company. The community is not suffering one but, to be honest, they are benefiting exponentially. They have 2 staffed engines, one truck, one rescue squad, and a medic unit at their disposal for emergency use.
I find it completely hilarious and pure entertainment for those of you who actually rely on this type of forum for facts. It is similar to those who live on the watchdesk. Firemen have always been and will continue to be the most nosey and crap-stirring individuals out there in an attempt to make their department look better than the competition. This is a clear example of that. Montgomery County is not only worried but utterly jealous of the operation at 15. They have well-equipped and operational apparatus, qualified leadership, outstanding training, and a well-diversed membership. This one mistake will make the department look bad, but how it is handled has made them look even better.
Let’s not forget the underage drunk girl that was brought back to the Clinton FD in PG Co.and left in a car in the parking lot where she choked to death on her own vomit..if they are underage and I am not saying the Mont. female was don’t give them alcohol in the first place. If they are of age to drink then take them home and if they are as intoxicated as this young lady sounds stay around and watch them so they don’t become another victim like the young girl in PG..As Career and Volunteers we have the responsibility of setting an example for the public we serve and those that don’t paid or volunteer should be gone period. JMHO
Stupid is as stupid does!!!
When you want to do something out of the ordinary at the firehouse it is always a good idea just ask yourself these three questions before you leap:
“How would this look on the any newscast, blog, or website?”
“Would I proudly & willingly do this in front of the leadership of the fire department, the community, or local elected officials?”
“What would my mother & her friends think of this?”
This event that Dave reported on is what sells in the news biz, sorry it is just another fact of life.
Having been on both sides of many of Dave’s reports (good & bad) it is what is and I hold no ill-will because of those reports.
You want good coverage of public safety?
Start by cleaning up these sideshows and provide good story ideas on a regular and consistant basis.
Keep swinging the bat Dave, I love it when you get a hit… good, bad, even ugly!
That is my two cents worth!