Growing Pains in Stafford?

Just a day after a new, 24/7, career-staffed engine company was placed in service in Stafford County, there is tension.

Officials confirm, that following Tuesday’s house fire on Rosedale Lane, an investigation or review is underway into operations on the fireground.

While Stafford officials won’t confirm this part, our sources say the riding privileges of 2 volunteers at Stafford Company 2 have been temporarily suspended.

We are told this temporary suspension for one of the firefighters is over the use of a saw. Somehow that saw came in contact with, and put a hole in, the protective gear of a career firefighter. The other issue, according to the sources, is a dispute over whether a volunteer company should have supplied water to Engine 9, the new career company.

Concerns have also been raised about command on the fireground.

Stafford Volunteer Fire Department Chief John McDonald says, “There is an investigation into a possible incident at a structure fire.”

Chief McDonald says, “It is not unusual to look at these issues and critique fireground operations”. McDonald referred us to the Stafford County Public Information Manager for other comments.

I was also told by Lt. Kimberly Harper, who is the spokesperson for the Stafford County Fire and Rescue Department and Chief Robert Brown, that all information about this incident would come from County spokesperson Cathy Riddle.

Cathy Riddle confirmed by email that, “There were allegations of inappropriate behavior at the scene. I do not know who (career or volunteer) displayed this behavior.”

Riddle writes that there is no investigation underway, but rather a review. “To ensure that review is as objective as possible”, it will be handled by someone outside the Stafford Fire and Rescue system.

When asked about the temporary suspensions of riding privileges for the two volunteers , Cathy Riddle wrote, “Stafford County’s policy is not to release information on any personnel matters”.

Sources say that there is no indication that career personnel have been suspended while the review is ongoing.