An alarm activation around 1:00 this morning sent police in Rockville to the Montgomery County Fire & Rescue Service logistics and supply building at 701-C Dover Road. Assistant Chief Scott Graham, a department spokesman, says three 17-year-old firefighters from the Rockville Volunteer Fire Department were caught in the act of stealing equipment. Their names have not been released, but all three have been charged with theft and illegal entry by officers from the Rockville City Police Department.
The three are assigned to Station 3 at 380 Hungerford Drive and have now been suspended from the department. Sources indicate police are investigating the possibility the teens were able to get a key from a Knox Box to enter the building. The sources, who are not authorized to speak on this matter, said the firefighters had gathered up Halligan bars and personal protective gear. Officials have not indicating why the young firefighters wanted the equipment.
The arrests came two days after nine other members of Station 3 were suspended when police discovered them inside a locked community room at the Fenestra Apartments at 20 Maryland Avenue. The apartments are across the street from Station 3. No charges have been filed in that case.
Sources indicate that firefighters had been allowed access to the room in recent weeks, but on Tuesday evening a door had been forced to gain entry. The room has a pool table and other amenities. Sources indicate there had been alcohol use. Some of the volunteer firefighters discovered by police are under 21 years of age. The sources also say others, besides firefighters, were in the party room.
Eric Bernard, the president of the Rockville Volunteer Fire Department, referred STATter911.com to Assistant Chief Graham for comments about the two incidents.
Graham said, “Whenever such incidents occur, whether it involves career or volunteer personal, it leaves a black eye on the fire service as a whole. We take this very seriously and are disappointed in the actions and behavior of the personnel involved.”
Asked about the supervision of teenaged firefighters, Chief Graham said they are properly supervised when inside the fire station and involved in other fire department sanctioned activities.
Also on STATter911 …
- Sleep tight & don’t let the …. Sorry, too late for Montgomery County, Maryland firefighters. Bed bugs at three stations. – September 2, 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
- Regime change at Burtonsville VFD. Leadership resigns & takes demotions in battle with Montgomery County, Maryland. – March 21, 2011
- Early video: Basement fire in Montgomery County, Maryland. – May 5, 2012
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With the wealth the Department has in the bank and knowledge of quite a few of the active volunteer, RVFD could be one of the best volunteer organizations in the Mid-Atlantic. Unfortunately, as anyone who was an active Member years ago could tell you, the current leadership is a disgrace and will continue to be problematic until this changes.
The facility is worse than most ghetto firehouses in PG. Renovation projects never get underway. The fire chief has probably never actually put out a fire. The Rockville firefighting culture has disipated to mediocracy as a significant number of experience firefighters have been driven off by this Chief. The career-volunteer relations have soured over the years and the career Union is laughing as the Organization itself has become its own worst enemy while numerous firehouses with an unlimited DFRS budget get built out until Station 3 is boxed in.
It’s a very sad day and a blight on the reputation built by previous volunteers that they can’t focus the energy and attention of their younger Members to do something constructive! Unfortunately, after these guys are thrown out (and maybe thrown in jail?) the current guy at the top will remain.
Geez, I though Montgomery County had a little bit better accountability than this.
SIMPLY THE BEST!
*facepalm*
Montgomery County is the new PG county!
The demiseof Rockville VFD continues because of poor leadership.They are more interested in recruiting bodies than quality individuals.The leadership is all about their own agendas than the organization’s goals.
However I cannot fault them completely this is an issue of society in general.The younger generation has a different mindset than we did at their age. They don’t think about the repercussions they just act.This is the the result.
You can do background checks and interviews but that does not mean everyone will be perfect.
Having had time to digest this and discuss it around the kitchen table this morning, I will just say if you’re going to use a knox box key to commit burglary, go to Best Buy and steal a 60″ plasma screen. Stealing turnout gear from Logistics falls into the realm of epic stupidity.
You get what you pay for.
I have read the comments and so far nothing of real substance has been voiced. Yes this is a shameful disgrace to all. There is no way to sugar coat what occurred. As for the comments Montgomery County is the PG County, I take personal issue with that equally ignorant juvenile mentality as is what has occurred. Montgomery County is a far above PG County in the handling of isolated incidents. ie; PG County had a problem with young Volunteers inside an Arson Ring. They have had their share of bad publicity. Montgomery County is dealing with an isolated incident in this occurrance. As for the Union
IAFF Local 1664 should first look at themselves in the Mirror.
ie; A Senior Career Chief Officer brought absolute shame and Disgrace to the MCFRS with stupidity in Driving while under the Influence. That is against the Law for everyone. Then there
is the incident where a Career Officer who is without a doubt a Pedifile. Whatever charges his Attorney had reduced, he used his MCFRS County e-mail to solicit what he thought was a 16 year old Girl. Both isolated incidents, which donot reflect the very best MCFRS has working in the rank and file. This Rockville Incident doesnot reflect the efforts of RVFD in every day service to the Taxpayers. Career and Volunteer People together. As for what I think about the Union it is nothing more than a store front Lawyer. When the comment saying
the Union is Laughing, let them look at themselves in the mirror and then stop and think how is it they’re colleagues can make stupid ignorant judgements not withstanding the High set of Professional Standards everyone is mandated/obligated not only to themselves, but to the Taxpayers.
Have a Nice Day People
Moco will never be a PG.. keep dreamin’ boys
I also agree that the union has its share of bad apples! Oh how they tried to sweep it under the table when a chief officer was arrested for DWI and tried to hush it up about a pedifile!! I think that idiot should be in jail for years and his family disown him. Once a pedifile always a pedifile!!! How many fights have I broken up in the station because of a paid man sleeping drunk in his car so he would be there for his shift in the morning then you wake him up and he wants to come out swinging. You union PUKES clean your own side of the house and maybe you can learn from true firefighters how to do your jobs. The Vollies have carried you for years and sorry to say will continue to carry you. Man up or leave!! Go to D.C. you would fit in good there. Change your underware after a fire because you can not take the heat!!
Hey Anonymous,
The Senior Career Chief Officer is not currently employed by MCFRS and neither is the Career Capt that you are referring to. So, if RVFD is up to par, then everyone involved in the incident should be removed kicked out of RVFD and banned from MCFRS, after they get out of Clarksburg. That includes these three delinquents, the RVFD Volunteers who got caught breaking and entering into the game room in the Apartment complex by St.3, and the RVFD Volunteer who got caught stealing fuel for his POV. RVFD has turned into an utter disgrace.
To the “Anonymous” writer whose comment began with “I have read the comments and nothing of real substance has been voiced”.
Please add your comments to that list.
It is quite apparent that you are not an “in the know” individual based on the ignorance of your comments (look up the word “ignorant” before you go any farther as I am sure it is not defined the way you think it is).
Next, do some research on “Duty of Fair Representation”. Have that research include the Federal Laws and Supreme Court case law. That will help remove some of your ignorance.
While you’re at it; do a little research on your “pedifile” comment. Specifically look for comments from the presiding Judge regarding the MCP sting operation and how they failed to prove their case and other news reports proving their alleged evidence didn’t exist.
These are unfortunate events that no Fire Fighter is happy about, but it is what it is. There is a bad apple on every apple tree. The processes will sort things out and weed out those bad apples. Meanwhile, we’ll still be jumping on the rigs and provididng aid to those in need. That’s what we do…
PG WILL SMOKE ANYONE IN MOCO NORTH OR SOUTH……………..& ALOT OF THOSE YOUNINGS R FROM CALVERT COUNTY!!!!!!1
Well I think you and your boys from Beltsville and Laurel need to check into that because the last time I checked the boys from Burtonsville ran all over that.
I think you need to talk to your boys from Beltsville and Laurel because the last time I checked Burtonsville ran all over that.
In response to the previous comment, PG County will smoke anyone North or South in Montgomery County. To be more specific
MCFRS has the Firefighter Safety Everyone Goes Home. There are no Free Lance Hose Jockeys with no Respect for Fire/Fire Spread.
Perhaps Don’t Need to Know Basis, should ask why is Montgomery County Responding Mutual Aid into PG County more so than PG County Responds into Montgomery County. The reason is plain and simple. MCFRS Has the appropriate Staffing for Primary Services, and when these Units Respond into PG County they follow ICS Command Direction. MCFRS Believes in fully Maximizing the Resources where ever/when ever they Respond.
I can say will a degree of certainty MCFRS Units at times respond into PG County as additional Staffing Support for PG Units. Also EMS is a primary Priority. How many times does Medic 712 run 1801 Metzerott Road, Hill Haven Nursing Home 3210 Powder Mill Road. A702 and either Medic 701/Medic 712 run areas such as 6733-6735 New Hampshire Ave. These are just a few Locations that MCFRS Apparatus Responds into PG County. Oh yes then there is Medic 715 who runs into 31′s-41′s area, sometimes even 10′s area. MCFRS Has primary service units
Staffed 24/7 365 on the Border Boundaries of PG County. Before you go mouthing off about PG County being able to smoke MCFRS think about your Staffing Issues, and sometimes response times.
MCFRS sends closes appropriate Primary Service in Mutual Aid. They also send the appropriate Apparatus in serving the Taxpayers in Montgomery County.
Have a Nice Evening
Although those career firefighters that are mentioned are no longer employed by Montgomery County how many were fired and how many retired? And is everyone forgetting about the career lt. who is on disability retirement from Montgomery County after being found guilty for committing an assault while he was the supervisor at work. Bad apples on both sides and no accountability for actions. It is a real shame that this is what the fire service has turned into as far as discipline goes.
Based upon the never ending parade of videos from Maryland portraying improper firefighting procedures, fire companies racing each other to scenes, fighting with each other on the scene and embarrassing the fire service publicly every chance they get … one gets the impression that there is need for tremendous change.
Those who claim to be from PG County who come here to pound their chests as self proclaimed heroes who are better than all other fire departments should review the video of the BP service station fire that appeared the other day on this site. It showed a total lack of basic firefighting ability and certainly does not support the constant claims of firefighting superiority that some from that area proclaim.
To those of you who resemble this remark, grow up, attend real fire service training and do the job correctly or find a field of endeavor that is more closely suited to your ability (high school bully, WWF wrestler, strip club bouncer, etc).
This off topic of Mont Co vs PG mentality has nothing to do wiyh the RVFD> The only reason this comparison (if you want to call it that) was to compare the disgraceful conditions inside Station 3 with all the money they have with the poor but equally busy stations in the inner beltway of PG> There is zero leadersip to either get capital projects done or the necessary daily cleaning or maintenance of the firehouse. This is a minor observation compared in combination with all the bs that has occured there in the last few years since Alan Hinde left/was paid off to make things work under one chief.
To the guy who said<"MCFRS has the Firefighter Safety Everyone Goes Home. There are no Free Lance Hose Jockeys with no Respect for Fire/Fire Spread. " Gimme a break. Another guy who probably never put a fire out.
Montgomery Co does have unlimited resources because of an endless budget but still can"t put a fire out unless some of the few knowldgeable guys are working or in charge. PG does the deed day in and day out with or without your "ICS command direction."
To Thaddeus Fitzhume: the companies on that BP Service Station fire resond to several hundred working fires a year and are some of the most experienced and aggressive firefighters in the Country. Not sure what you are refering to.
Where are you from that you can teach us Baltimore-Washington Region Firefighters with your superior knowledge? Can’t wait for you to tell! Please help us change!
I hate to tell you all, but the ‘pedophile’ who is a career Lieutenant and the career battalion chief with the DUI are still employed by MCFRS. They are both conveniently hidden away from the public eyes, in jobs where they don’t have to deal with people on a regular basis.
I am a Rockville Resident, who lives within Station 3′s first response area.
For those of you in the RVFD, this week has grown into more than a PR disaster, but rather an internal crisis that needs to be handled in the most effective manner possible. We all know about the media, newscasters will do anything they can to create a story and pull on the sentiments of the people. The fact remains that day in and day out, and you can argue about their “fire fighting skills later,” these young men and women respond to car accidents, service calls, AFA, AMA, box alarms, house fires, etc. and show up to do their job. Not only is RVFD always fully staffed, but sometimes there are more members in the station at a given time than riding assignments allow.
Much like RVFD succeeds on its calls, they will succeed and prevail prevail. They will treat this like any other fire run by doing their 360 and attacking the problem head on and systematically with the calmness and intelligence they have had for years.
Thank you for all those men and women in the service. You provide me comfort.
The question is not between MC and PG.Who is better!!
The question should be WWRD (What Will Ritchie Do)??
Dear Rockville Resident who wrote-
“We all know about the media, newscasters will do anything they can to create a story and pull on the sentiments of the people.”
Yes. That Bruce Leshan paid those guys to be in the logisitics section at 1:00 AM just so Bruce could get a good story. I saw him do it with my own eyes.
But I must admit it really started with me. I have been sending out subliminal messages to teenaged firefighters encouraging this type of behavior. Have you ever read any of my entries backwards?
You will get absolute agreement from me about the great work that fire & EMS does, whether they be career or volunteer, all across our country. But seriously, what is it that we created here?
Should we not report that firefighters were arrested inside a locked and secure county facility in the middle of the night with a stockpile of valuable equipment?
I will join you in criticizing many things we do in the news media, but you are going to have to show me some evidence that this one is anything more than a self-inflicted wound by the people involved.
Thanks for reading and thanks for writing.
Statter
In response to Dave Statter I would like to say that you are correct on this. I am a volunteer and it should be that the three who broke into the county bldg. should be dealt with and dropped from the roles. These three are also juveniles and should not be able to return after reaching the age of eighteen. Rockville has a very good dept. and should handle this in a professional manner and continue providing the excellent service they are noted for.
Anonymous says, “To Thaddeus Fitzhume: the companies on that BP Service Station fire resond to several hundred working fires a year and are some of the most experienced and aggressive firefighters in the Country. Not sure what you are refering to.”
To Anonymous: If you can watch the video of the BP service station fire and honestly say that it was attacked properly then you really need to be re-trained in firefighting basics. As to your claim of being the most experienced firefighters in the country, I think not. As far as being aggressive, from reading the derogatory comments that are posted about other fire departments by people who claim to be P.G. firefighters, it seems that you confuse the term ‘aggressive’ with the term ‘reckless’.
Stay safe.
I would like to respond to a couple of issues mentioned in previous comments. (1) The idea of any comparison between Montgomery County and Prince Georges County wasnot/should not the focus concerning the RVFD Incident. As for the comment that someone wrote “They do the Deed with or without ICS Comand Direction, The emphasis on “Or Without ICS Commnad Direction” Is exactly what was commented about concerning Free Lance Firefighters without proper safety Protocols. Whoever that person is that stated “With or Without ICS Command Direction” Clearly spoke to the level of free lancing. I also of the belief that individual is a veteran Firefighter and absolutely knows better than to make such an irresponsible
statement like that. Not questioning anyone’s skill/ ability as a Firefighter however there is a proper Method which is or should be a part of any Fire/EMS Depts, Operational procedures.
I would hope and even ask that individual to rethink his/her words about such a critical 21st Century Fire/EMS Service issue. On the Fire Ground,it is most imperative that everyone from every unit follow without question or disregard for Authority, either Career/Volunteer ICS Command Direction. This will result in
ACCOUNTABILITY” and the personal knowledge and satisfaction of doing one’s best.
Thank You
This is really only partially relevant. Why is RVFD still in old Station 3 anyway, the oldest fire station in Montgomery? Silver Spring sold the old Station 1 and the county rebuilt the new one across the street 2 years ago. Takoma Park is currently rebuilding Station 2.