Quick takes
Funds cut and president arrested at VA VFD: The New Market Volunteer Fire Department in Shenandoah County did not pass a forensic audit with flying colors. Lots of questions. So many, the Shenandoah County Board of Supervisors cut off the department’s funds. The president of the department and another woman have been arrested on embezzlement charges. Read the details.
Fire scandals near and far: This one is from Bangkok, Thailand (yes, STATter 911 does have a few readers in Thailand). We had mentioned a while back of an investigation over a big purchase of fire trucks and boats from Austria. This one went right to the top and has resulted in the resignation of Bangkok’s governor. Click here.
Feds look at MD disability retirements as a “suspected felony”: This is a police story we mentioned from Montgomery County, MD a while back. Now federal investigators have issued subpoenas as part of a “criminal investigation of a suspected felony.” The Washington Post says they are looking specifically at the disability retirements of two police department assistant chiefs and how they injuries relate to their current jobs and activities. Read the story.
Loudoun County video requests: The video Loudoun County, VA put together to go with its report on the Meadowood Court fire has generated a lot of requests from around the country. If you are one of those who is looking for a copy, Deputy Chief Randall Shank says be patient. While the department doesn’t have a mechanism to copy and distribute so many discs, Chief Shank says they are working on setting up a way that you can download the video. We will keep you informed.
Finding out who’s naughty (not interested in nice): FireGeezer is up to his old tricks again (did I say old?). If there is a strip club, porno movie theater or massage parlor burning he will find it. Even in the North Pole. Read more.
News at VAFireNews: Rhett Fleitz is putting the finishing touches on a revamping of his fire news site. It looks really nice. Check for yourself.
IL man who wouldn’t leave burning home without dog is dead: Reggie is suffering burns and smoke inhalation, but his owner is dead. Sixty-eight-year-old John Petrik wouldn’t leave his Cicero home without his pet. Police had to drag Petrik out. He apparently died in the squad car. Firefighters pulled Reggie out. Read the story.
Austin City chief search limits: A new fire chief is expected to be announced in Austin, Texas today. Click here.
Daughter of FF & medic home safe in Chicago: We told you yesterday how Chicago fire department members were helping their colleagues search for their daughter. That 15-year-old girl has returned home safely. Click here.
Training in Bowie, MD: This is from PGFD Deputy Chief 43A Jason Bloom- The Bowie Vol. Fire Department & Rescue Squad, Inc. would like to announce that on January 17, 2009 we will offer a one day seminar with guest speaker and Author of the Fire Service book Pride & Ownership The Love of The Job, Chief Rick Lasky. The seminar will run from 0800 – 1600 hours with lunch being provided by Bowie Vol. Fire Department & Rescue Squad. Click here for details.
