COMPTON, Calif. A former Compton Fire Department battalion chief pleaded no contest Tuesday to felony charges of arson of property and embezzlement by a public official. We will get in touch with you shortly. Full story: Former Compton Fire Department deputy chief arrested for arson. Are you a Firefighter at Fire Chief Jon Thompson said he was happy that Melanson's plea saved his department from getting involved in a trial. 2009-2022 USA Fire Departments usfiredept.com All Rights reserved. Attention then turned to Melanson, who was on duty at the station the night of the fire and the only one with access to the radios. So that you can continue to enjoy HEYSOCAL's in-depth reporting, we ask that you please turn off your ad blocker and come on in, free of charge. The inferno erupted in Compton before. A Compton Fire Battalion Chief of training headed the development and implementation of the Fire Technology and Education Programs dating back to the mid-1980. Do Not Sell My Personal Information, If you need further help setting your homepage, check your browsers Help menu, LODD: Buffalo firefighter dies after being trapped in blaze, N.Y. authorities release name of Buffalo firefighter killed in downtown fire, Ala. FD lieutenant fights to keep rank after scheduling incident, Mo. He is expected to be sentenced to three years and four months in state prison, a prosecutor said. COMPTON, Calif. (AP) A huge fire visible across Los Angeles burned stacks of pallets in a commercial yard and buses parked in a neighboring lot Friday. A former battalion chief for the Compton Fire Department who once appeared on a reality television show has been charged with setting fire to his own department's headquarters in . Alicia Banks is a former Metpro trainee at the Los Angeles Times. Ford acted soon after The Times reported late Monday that county regulators forced Compton fire officials to remove the devices last week after the city was unable to produce documentation showing that firefighters had been properly trained to use the equipment. Preparing for an emergency is everyone's responsibility. This website uses Google Analyticsto collect anonymous information such as the number of visitors to the site, and the most popular pages. Melanson had served with the fire department for 17 years. Melanson set up the fire to look accidental, said Patrick Wills, an arson investigator with the Long Beach Fire Department. As a result, parts of the site may not function properly for you. Deputy Fire Chief Bryan Batiste says the removal of four defibrillators from their trucks and ambulances shouldn't worry residents. Compton Fire Department 1 The flames burned through the roof of the building, which was heavily damaged. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Select the option or tab named Internet Options (Internet Explorer), Options (Firefox), Preferences (Safari) or Settings (Chrome). You can find more information about our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, Enter your phone number to be notified if you win. Inside were about 200 radios valued at more than $1 million. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again. COMPTON, Calif. A former Compton Fire Department battalion chief pleaded no contest Tuesday to felony charges of arson of property and embezzlement by a public . Administration Office 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. Supervisor Holly Mitchell told Marrone the agency has had a historic under-representation of people of color and women.. This button displays the currently selected search type. July 7, 2015 6:29 PM PT. Provide protection of life and property and the environment twenty-four hours a day, 365. It's the most comprehensive and trusted online destination for fire service professionals worldwide. Ex-Compton firefighter pleads not guilty to arson, Battalion chief cost department more than $200,000, Saatva Mattress Review: Our Pick for the Best Overall Bed of 2023, We Found 12 Cute Planters and Flower Pots That Cost Less Than $25, Here's Where to Watch and Stream Marvel's 'Ant Man and the Wasp: Quantumania' Online. Copyright 2023 FireRescue1. You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times. It's the most comprehensive and trusted online destination for fire service professionals worldwide. Each member of the group has completed a refresher course, but only one has scheduled and passed the final exam to renew an EMT license. Find out more or adjust your settings. All rights reserved. CBS LA. Compton Fire Department 1 The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Tuesday unanimously approved Anthony C. Marrone as the next county fire chief, but board members made clear they wanted to see improvements in the numbers of women and people of color in the agencys ranks. As battalion chief of the Compton Fire Department, Melanson became a star of First In, a 10-episode reality show about the department that aired last fall on BET. who was a member of the Compton Fire Department for over 15 years, is . We need to fix it, he said. We are able to provide high-quality political journalism to you for free thanks to our advertisers. Its something thats going to be cleaned up very soon, Gomez said. The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. or a member of the Compton community? Keep portable generators outside, away from windows, and as far away as possible from your house. A huge fire visible across Los Angeles burned material in a commercial yard and parked buses early Friday. We do have paramedic services. . 2023, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of KCRA-TV. 1. Deputy Fire Chief Bryan Batiste says the removal of four defibrillators from the department's trucks and ambulances shouldn't worry residents. 2013 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Home fires occur more in winter than in any other season. The arrest stems from what investigators say was a suspicious fire that broke out at Compton Fire Department headquarters on Acacia Avenue on December 11, 2011. Return to Staff Directory. You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times. Richland: City of Olney Fire Department- $25,526.32 . Cardiac arrests are among the most time-sensitive medical emergencies. As you stay cozy and warm this winter season, be fire smart! You've been added to our list and will hear from us soon. When that plan was scrapped, the city hoped to recoup some of its investment by selling the radios. (C70) - 1978 Chevrolet Step Van 30 command (Ex-Port Moody Public Works) (Sold 2004) 1975 Dodge 300 4x4 / Truck Utilities Corp. walk around rescue (Ex-Rescue 62) (Sold 1988 to North Cowichan Fire Department Crofton BC) (VA368) - 1973 Ford C-904 / Pierreville pumper (1050/250) (SN#PFT-351) (Traded July 1995 to Anderson's) (Ex . Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for VINTAGE COMPTON FD SHIELD FIRE DEPT CAIRNS LEATHER HELMET FIREMAN FIREFIGHTER FD at the best online prices at eBay! Melanson was fired from the department before being arrested in May 2013. Theres much more work that needs to be done.. 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Thompson was placed on administrative leave at Tuesday night's City Council meeting. 2.6 (11-16-016) Fire Chief, Each 9-1-1 Provider Agency; CEO, Each Private Provider Agency: California Occupation Safety and Health Standards related to workplace violence prevention in health care. Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Copyright 2023 Plug only 1 heat-producing appliance (such as a space heater) into an electrical outlet at a time. Address: 201 S. Acacia Ave. Compton CA 90220 Website: http://www.comptoncity.org Hours: Monday through Thursday, 7:00am to 6:00pm. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. All Rights Reserved. . You can help us to keep this page up to date:Help update this Fire Department's Information. A tech lover who constantly finds . In Case of an Emergency, call 9-1-1. When expanded it provides a list of search options that will switch the search inputs . Firefighters battle a fire at a commercial yard in Compton, Calif., on Friday, Feb. 26, 2021. Vintage Fireman Fire Department Helmet Badge Shield RIDGEFIELD FD Cairns & Bro . This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. FireRescue1 is revolutionizing the way the fire service community Irreversible brain damage can begin after four minutes. There are 5 Fire Departments in Compton, California, serving a population of 97,847 people in an area of 11 square miles.There is 1 Fire Department per 19,569 people, and 1 Fire Department per 2 square miles.. Shop high quality Compton Fire Department shirts from Compton Fire Apparel.. He had faced up to 10 years and eight months in prison, Rose said. The city managers move to place Thompson on leave was welcomed by Councilwoman Janna Zurita, who has been a critic of the way city leaders have handled the agencys problems. COMPTON, Calif. A former deputy chief for the Compton Fire Department has been arrested for allegedly starting a fire at headquarters and stealing thousands of dollars in . The departments paramedics, a small subset of the agencys employees, continue to carry defibrillators and are dispatched with lower-skilled firefighters on most 911 calls. In a letter to the board, the groups called for a 90-day delay in the vote to allow for a more thorough search for the next chief. LITTLE COMPTON, R.I. (WPRI) When Steven Velozo died on Oct. 2, little about his death was made public. Officials say that it may take several weeks to train the firefighters or verify their credentials. Apr 16, 2014. Fire Department Title: Fire Chief Phone: 417-732-3801 Return to Staff Directory. 649 were here. I can do this in my sleep.. In California, Compton is ranked 909th of 1798 cities in Fire Departments per capita, and 448th of 1798 cities in Fire Departments per square mile. / KCAL News. I am glad that we are taking the first step.. This may be called Tools or use an icon like the cog. Salton Community Services District Fire Dept, California State Prison-Los Angeles County Fire Department, Linden-Peters Rural County Fire Protection District, General Dynamics NASSCO - Fire Department. He was terminated earlier this year. Your request has been confirmed! City Manager Johnny Ford said officials would examine how most city firetrucks and ambulances were stripped of defibrillators, a crucial lifesaving device that rescuers use to deliver a shock to try to restart the heart of cardiac arrest victims. Investigators from the Long Beach and Montebello fire departments, including the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, determined the fire was caused by arson. He has been with the department for 36 years, previously serving as acting chief deputy over business operations. Marrone committed to the board that he would work to continue efforts by his predecessor, Daryl Osby, to improve representation within the agency, to make sure we can move the needle to be more inclusive of women and people of color, not only when hiring, but when promoting.. The 2018 Fire Rescue Community Report outlines the department's mission, reports out on 2018 stats, and highlights the role of each division. In 1925, the department converted to professional status, hiring its first paid fire chief and five firefighters, supplementing its current staff of 20 volunteer firefighters. I fully expect that we make significant gains in that area., Marrone responded, I will be intentional that I will move the needle forward toward more diversity in our fire department. 2 talking about this. The service requires full cookie support in order to view this website. Do Not Sell My Personal Information. 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Description: Several public speakers at the board meeting also questioned Marrones educational background and criticized the lack of female representation in the department even noting that some county fire stations dont even have womens bathrooms. Some law enforcement agencies have also begun to carry the devices. Randolph: Ellis Grove Volunteer Fire Department- $25,800. Please enable cookies on your browser and try again. "I'm not mad at him, more mad at what he did," said Deputy Chief Bryan Batiste, who knew Melanson since his involvement with the Fire Department in high school. The resolution of the case came as a surprise to Fire Department employees who appeared at a downtown courthouse prepared to testify against someone they said was like family. Lexipol. www.firehouse.com is using a security service for protection against online attacks. $7.50 + $10.11 shipping. The 2018 Fire Rescue Community Report outlines the department's mission, reports out on 2018 stats, and highlights the role of each division. All rights reserved. The countys decision came after The Times disclosed in March that nearly one in four Compton firefighters lacked a permit to perform emergency medical care, a key credential required by other local fire agencies. He said that effort will begin by working to stabilize the departments budget, which he said needs to be increased to provide a higher level of service for the community. The allegations shook the Compton Fire Department, where Melanson had been well-liked. CITY CAREERS Browse & Apply for Jobs . Authorities conducted a joint investigation with arson investigators from the Long Beach Fire Department and Montebello Fire Department. Thompson did not returns calls seeking comment. 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His bail was set at $350,000.The 37-year-old Melanson had appeared on the BET reality series "First In.". Copyright 2023 Lexipol. You will be redirected once the validation is complete. We carry out our business on the ancestral and unceded homelands of thekikm (Kwikwetlem), slilwta (Tsleil-Waututh), xmkym (Musqueam), Swxw7mesh (Squamish), qicy (Katzie), qa:n n (Kwantlen), qiqyt (Qayqayt), and St:l (Sto:lo) Peoples, and extend appreciation for the opportunity to work on this territory. Prior to being placed on leave, Thompson maintained that losing defibrillators from most fire vehicles did not put the public at greater risk. Expand search. Atty. 2.5 (11-30-2016) Bryan Batiste, Interim Fire Chief, Compton Fire Department: Emergency Ambulance Transportation. The Compton Fire Chief requested the LASD's Internal Criminal Investigations Bureau to assist in looking into the case on January 4, 2012. The radios were purchased by Compton's city government in connection with the planned re-establishment of the Compton Police Department, LASD spokesperson Steve Whitmore said. Select the option or tab named Internet Options (Internet Explorer), Options (Firefox), Preferences (Safari) or Settings (Chrome). He remains in custody in lieu of $250,000.00 bail. Compton Fire Chief Jon Thompson was placed on leave Tuesday as the city launched an investigation after a series of Times reports on breakdowns in the fire agencys management of emergency medical care. Fire Capt. Ford Aerostar van. Through a repeat buyer, investigators discovered that Melanson had been selling other Compton-owned radio equipment since 2008, Rose added. Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads, Your Privacy Choices/(Opt-Out of Sale/Targeted Ads). Cerie Smith, PT, DPT, CSCS, Director of Rehabilitation and Wellness, Phoenix (AZ) Fire Department; Editor: Mike Wieder, Associate Director, FPP, Executive Director, IFSTA. May 16, 2013 / 8:56 PM Melanson is expected to be sentenced May 22. Police didn't respond to requests for information at the time. Are you the Marrone has been serving as interim chief of the department since July 2022. Under state law, emergency rescuers must be periodically retrained on how to use the equipment before it can be carried on the firetrucks and ambulances that respond to the bulk of 911 calls for medical help. He was later assigned to Fire Station 105 in Compton as his second probationary station. Chief Compton was the Fire Chief in Mesa, Arizona, for 5 years and Assistant Fire Chief in Phoenix where he served for 27 years. The sheriff's department continues to provide police services for the city. Subscribe to our newsletter for local news, giveaways, and updates. FIREFIGHTING TRAINING AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES BUREAU DISPATCH Los Angeles Times. Fire Chief Darcey O'Riordan . Compton fire officials were unable to produce paperwork showing city firefighters had up-to-date training, and the devices were removed from non-paramedic vehicles Friday. This will increase the pool of men and women committed to equality and opportunity with the required education and relevant certifications to consider for this critical role.. Marrone has been serving as interim chief of the department since July 2022. COMPTON (CBSLA.com) Compton Fire Department Chief Jon Thompson has been placed on leave pending an investigation into compliance with key lifesaving devices. The arrest stems from what investigators say was a suspicious fire that broke out at Compton Fire Department headquarters on Acacia Avenue on December 11, 2011. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful. Your subscription has been confirmed. Rick Roman emphasizes that paramedics carry advanced equipment that can deliver different voltage on cardiac-arrest patients. Ben Welsh is the former editor of the Data and Graphics Department, a team of reporters and computer programmers who collect, organize, analyze and present large amounts of information. Home fires occur more in winter than in any other season. A former Compton Fire Department battalion chief was sentenced to three years and four months in prison for selling city-owned radio equipment and starting a fire to conceal the theft,. Copyright 2023 Lexipol. The defendant allegedly set the fire to conceal the theft of the radio equipment. I heard you use the word equality, and I want to suggest the focus should be equity, given the historic under-representation, she said. Have a qualified professional clean and inspect your chimney and vents every year. He is also a co-founder of the California Civic Data Coalition, a network of journalists and computer programmers dedicated to opening up public data, and the leader of Pastpages, an open-source effort to better archive digital news. The heavily tattooed Compton Fire Department deputy chief was the star of his own reality series on BET called "First In . Former Fire Chief Rico Smith, right, left the force in 2007. You must enable JavaScript in your browser to view and post comments. COMPTON, Calif. A former deputy chief for the Compton Fire Department has been arrested for allegedly starting a fire at headquarters and stealing thousands of dollars in radio equipment. Thank you to Chief Jack Ambrose from the Morris County Sheriff's Office for taking the time to speak with a group of our Criminal Justice Students on February . / KCAL News. NEIGHBORHOODS: Read more news from Compton. First published on May 16, 2013 / 8:56 PM. firefighter pleads guilty to 3 counts of manslaughter, is sentenced to probation, 3 demoted FDNY chiefs sue to get positions back after dramatic shakeup, Open the tools menu in your browser.