+1
Bookmark:
Del.icio.us Digg Technorati Slashdot Google Bookmarks Yahoo MyWeb Live Bookmarks myAOL Facebook MySpace StumbleUpon Furl Reddit Ask Twitter Propeller
Post:
MySpace Hi5 Friendster Xanga LiveJournal Facebook Blogger TypePad Freewebs BlackPlanet

No comments posted yet

Comments

Previous page 1-10 of 34 Next page
Previous page 1-10 of 34 Next page
Slide 1

FIREFIGHTER ARSON: Presented By: Thomas W. Aurnhammer, EFO, IAAI-CFI® Deputy Fire Chief, Los Pinos Fire District Ignacio, Colorado Problem, Profile, & Prevention

Slide 2

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference THANK YOU Tim Huff, FBI (Retired) Gus Gary, ATF (Retired) Lieutenant Chuck Dorenwend, Suffolk County (NY) Police Department Supervising Detective George Wendt, Morris County (NJ) Prosecutor’s Office (Retired)

Slide 3

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference THANK YOU South Carolina Chapter of the IAAI C. Benjamin Norris, CFI Franklin R. Burke, Jr., CFI Edward A. Pumphrey All Photos Except Noted Provided By Nancy L. Ford, Observer Dispatch, Utica, New York and the National Fire Academy

Slide 4

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference OBJECTIVES Understand The Firefighter Arson Problem Know The Motives Of Fire Setting Know Why Some Firefighters Commit Arson

Slide 5

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference OBJECTIVES Know What Effect Firefighter Arson Has On The Community And The Fire Service Understand Arson Law

Slide 6

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference OBJECTIVES Know The Basic Profile Of The Firefighter Arsonist Know The Fire Service’s Responsibilities In Preventing Firefighter Arson Know What Action To Take When A Problem Is Suspected

Slide 7

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference INTRODUCTION In Recent Years The Frequency Of Firefighters Being Charged And Arrested For The Crime Of Arson Has Increased Dramatically

Slide 8

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference THE GOOD NEWS Looking At The Number Of Volunteer And Career Firefighters In America (Over 1 Million) – The Number Of Firefighter Arsonists Is Relatively Small

Slide 9

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference INTRODUCTION This Is A Problem The Fire Service Does Not Need Or Want - We, The Members Of The Fire Service Must Find A Solution To This Problem As It Hurts The Entire Fire Service Family, Not Just The Fire Departments Involved

Slide 10

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference INTRODUCTION What Can We Do To Prevent And Correct The Problem Of Firefighter Arson?

Slide 11

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference INTRODUCTION What We Hope To Accomplish Today Is To Provide You With A Basic Overview Of The Problem Of Firefighter Arson, Its Effects, And What Can Be Done To Fix The Problem

Slide 12

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference WHY DON’T WE TALK ABOUT IT? Because It Is Not Fun Stuff It Makes Us Uncomfortable It Is An Issue That The Fire Service As A Whole Has Been “Practicing Avoidance” With

Slide 13

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference FROM THE JANUARY 21st, 2002 FREDERICK NEWS-POST EMMITSBURG, MD - Despite numerous arson incidents linked to firefighters, the U.S. Fire Administration keeps no statistics and offers no training on the problem for the 50,000 fire officials who take classes at its National Fire Academy each year.

Slide 14

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference FROM THE JANUARY 21st, 2002 FREDERICK NEWS-POST With no central database, the magnitude of the problem is hard to pin down. But a recent case in Frederick County — where a volunteer firefighter has been charged with setting more than 20 fires in Maryland and West Virginia…

Slide 15

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference FROM THE JANUARY 21st, 2002 FREDERICK NEWS-POST …exposes a potential oversight by the agency charged with disseminating fire data and prevention education to the more than 30,000 departments nationwide.

Slide 16

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference FROM THE JANUARY 21st, 2002 FREDERICK NEWS-POST "It's a local issue," said Marko Bourne, spokesman for the USFA in response to questions about firefighters who commit arson.

Slide 17

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference FROM THE JANUARY 21st, 2002 FREDERICK NEWS-POST Yet a 1997 Arson Report published by the USFA identified firefighter arson as a problem.

Slide 18

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference FROM THE JANUARY 21st, 2002 FREDERICK NEWS-POST Calling it an "egregious" situation when "a firefighter betrays the public trust," the report said "better information is needed in order to more precisely define the arson problem in the U.S." Part of the recommendation called for collecting data on fire setters, their motives and histories.

Slide 19

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference HEADLINES

Slide 20

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference Where This Started -April 15th, 2001 Murder charges were filed against the man who confessed to starting a blaze in Platte County, MO that contributed to the death of a fellow firefighter. Jason Hendrix, 26, of Dearborn, MO, was charged with second-degree murder.

Slide 21

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference Where This Started -April 15th, 2001 Travis Brown, 30, of Edgerton, MO, a member of the Dearborn Fire Department, was killed June 2 responding to the fire when the tanker truck overturned.

Slide 22

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference Where This Started -April 15th, 2001 The fire at a barn in rural Platte County was allegedly set by Hendrix. Hendrix was a volunteer with the Edgerton Trimble Fire Department.

Slide 23

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference Where This Started -April 15th, 2001 September 24th, 2002 - Another five months will pass before a Platte County jury hears the case of a firefighter charged with the murder of another firefighter.

Slide 24

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference Where This Started -April 15th, 2001 Hendrix also is charged with second-degree arson, first-degree property damage and five counts of negligently setting fire to a woodland, cropland or grassland.

Slide 25

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference Where This Started -April 15th, 2001 The defense argued the felony murder rule doesn’t apply because Firefighter Brown’s death happened away from the scene of the arson that Hendrix allegedly committed.

Slide 26

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference Where This Started -April 15th, 2001 Prosecutors countered by saying that Firefighter Brown wouldn’t have been on the road to fight the fire if Hendrix hadn’t allegedly started the blaze.

Slide 27

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference Where This Started -April 15th, 2001 On February 13th, 2003 Jason Hendrix, former firefighter, is given 12 year sentence for arson and property damage after reaching a plea agreement with the special prosecutor. He did not stand trial for murder.

Slide 28

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference

Slide 29

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference

Slide 30

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference

Slide 31

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference

Slide 32

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference

Slide 33

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference

Slide 34

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference

Slide 35

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference THE PROBLEM It Is A Complex One Arson In The United States (NFPA Stats) Incidents Down, Property Damage Up While A Comprehensive Study Is Not Available – We Do Have Some Data Study Conducted By Tim Huff And Gus Gary

Slide 36

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference THE PROBLEM The Problem Is Not New To The Fire Service The Problem Occurs On A National Level

Slide 37

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference TWISTED CULTURE One investigator had a fire in a department where, 20-30 years before, it had been an initiation rite that if you wanted to join the FD, you had to set a structure fire While there was no such "official" initiation anymore, this "culture" was still prevalent

Slide 38

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference TWISTED CULTURE They ended up locking up three Firefighters The Fire Department was generally uncooperative The Chief told the investigator that he didn't know “what the big deal was”

Slide 39

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference TRAINING? A Fire Chief applied for a permit to conduct live burn training, but was turned down by the Environment Department However, since he was the Fire Chief, he felt that he had sole discretion over this matter

Slide 40

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference TRAINING? He and his Assistant Chief traveled to the building (an abandoned house) on the originally scheduled date for the drill and set the fire anyway They called it a “surprise drill” These two were charged and pled guilty

Slide 41

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference THE PROBLEM The Problem Is UNACCEPTABLE To The Fire Service! Don’t Condone It! Don’t Be A Part Of It! Prevent It If Possible!

Slide 42

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference A CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION WILL BE CONDUCTED No Special Treatment For Firefighters The Investigation May Be More Aggressive Offenders Will Be Prosecuted – Zero Tolerance Arrests Will Be Reported To The Media

Slide 43

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference A CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION WILL BE CONDUCTED Morris County, NJ has a zero tolerance policy for Firefighter Arson They have always prosecuted and always opposed any pre-trial diversion program

Slide 44

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference A CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION WILL BE CONDUCTED In one case, Firefighter walked into the firehouse and found three young Firefighters "preplanning" a fire in a large barn that was in their first due area He grew suspicious when this barn burned down that night

Slide 45

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference A CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION WILL BE CONDUCTED He told investigators about it and who was involved The investigators ended up making five arrests from that information

Slide 46

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference ARSON IS A CRIME OF DETECTION No Investigation = No Arson Investigations Will Turn Up Signs Of Firefighter Arson

Slide 47

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference MOTIVES OF FIRESETTING Motive Defined: The REASON For Setting The Fire “Something That Prompts A Person To Act In A Certain Way”

Slide 48

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference MOTIVES OF FIRESETTING Sometimes Motive And Intent Get Confused Intent Is The Deliberateness Of The Act

Slide 49

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference INDIVIDUAL MOTIVES GENERAL Fraud – Profit Crime Concealment Spite/Revenge Pyromania Civil Disorders Vanity – Recognition Actions Of Juveniles

Slide 50

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference CHANGES Pyromania Does Not Exist As A Separate Mental Disease The Current Usage of Pyromania As A Motive In Fire Setting Is An Oversimplification Of A Complex Issue, As The Act May Be Indicative Of Other Problems Or Disorders

Slide 51

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference WHY FIREFIGHTERS COMMIT ARSON Personal Goals: Someone Who Likes To Be The “Hero” He Or She May Be The “Reporting Party”

Slide 52

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference WHY FIREFIGHTERS COMMIT ARSON Personal Goals: Could Be The Person Who Wants To Make The Most Runs Could Be Overall Boredom

Slide 53

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference THE WHITE PAPER Excitement And Putting Their Training To Work Was The Most Predominant Reasons Found For Firefighter Arson

Slide 54

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference WHY FIREFIGHTERS COMMIT ARSON Psychiatric Problems: Someone With A Fascination With Fire Could Be A Person With Low Self-Esteem Or Self-Confidence

Slide 55

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference WHY FIREFIGHTERS COMMIT ARSON Psychological Needs: The Social Needs Of Wanting To Be Accepted By Others, Wanting To Belong To Or Be Identified With A Significant Group The Self-Esteem Issue Of Being Recognized And Praised By Others

Slide 56

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference MOTIVATION USUALLY NOT INTENDED TO BE HARMFUL Strictly Excitement Usually, No Harm Intended Immature – May Not Realize The Harmful Effects Does Not Realize The Severity Of The Crime Being Committed

Slide 57

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference

Slide 58

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference THE WHITE PAPER Motives Found In Firefighter Arson: Excitement Vanity Profit Revenge

Slide 59

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference THE WHITE PAPER Lone Offenders Were Most Prevalent Less Common, Yet Significant, Are Multiple-Arsonist Cases

Slide 60

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference THE WHITE PAPER Modus Operandi: Most Set Fire To Materials Found At Site Most Fire Setting Activity Started Out With “Nuisance Fires” Fire Setting Activity Escalated Frequency Damage Potential

Slide 61

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference THE WHITE PAPER Modus Operandi: Hot Sets Were Utilized Most Fires Occurred At Night Some Fires Were Set In Other Fire Districts When Suspicion Was Perceived By The Offender(s)

Slide 62

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference THE WHITE PAPER Telltale Signs Of Firefighter Arson: Increase In “Nuisance Fires” No One Calls For An Investigation

Slide 63

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference THE WHITE PAPER Other Findings Offenders Were Often Fairly New Members Of The Department Most Group Offenders Did Not Have The Inclination To Set Fires Prior To Joining The Department

Slide 64

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference EFFECTS OF FIREFIGHTER ARSON Effects On The Community: Loss Of Life Injuries To Citizens Property Loss Financial Loss Increased Insurance Premiums Destroys Community’s Trust Of The Fire Service

Slide 65

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference EFFECTS OF FIREFIGHTER ARSON Effects On The Fire Service: Loss Of Life Injuries To Firefighters Accidents While Responding/Returning Expense – Cost Of Fire Suppression Equipment Damaged Or Destroyed Negative Publicity Possible Liability

Slide 66

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference EFFECTS OF FIREFIGHTER ARSON Effects On The Fire Service: Destroys Community Trust May Influence Fundraising Embarrassment To All Department Members Public Reaction Could Result In “Knee-Jerk” Legislation That Would Seriously Impact The Fire Service

Slide 67

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference EFFECTS OF FIREFIGHTER ARSON Effects On The Firefighter Arsonist: Embarrassment To Family And Friends Held Accountable For Actions Arrested, Convicted, Sentenced Removal From Fire Department Loss Of Esteem Loss Of Belonging Payment Of Fines/Imprisonment

Slide 68

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference EFFECTS OF FIREFIGHTER ARSON Effects On The Firefighter Arsonist: Other Financial Loss Restitution Loss Of Job Criminal Record Loss Of Rights Of Ordinary Citizens May Cause Family Problems Negative Publicity

Slide 69

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference ARSON LAW Originally, Arson Was A Common Law Offense. Common Law Is Court-made Law Based On Accepted Standards Of The Community. The United States System Of Justice Originated In England, And English Common Law Forms The Basis Of Our Laws.

Slide 70

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference ARSON LAW “Arson At Common Law” Was Originally The Offense Of “The Burning Of The Dwelling Of Another.” In Recent Years The Arson Laws Were Codified And Changed By The States And The Congress. A Few States Still Have Arson At Common Law; Many Have Revised Them.

Slide 71

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference ARSON LAW The Old “Arson At Common Law” Did Influence The Way Some State Statutes Were Written (e.g., some of the state statutes still refer to arson as the “burning of the dwelling of another”).

Slide 72

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference ARSON LAW Please Check With Your Local Prosecutors To See What The Laws Are In Your Jurisdiction!

Slide 73

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference

Slide 74

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference BASIC PROFILE OF THE FIREFIGHTER ARSONIST Usually, Volunteer Firefighter White Male 17 To 26 Years Old May Be The Highly Trained, Motivated, “Firefighter Of The Year” Type

Slide 75

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference BASIC PROFILE OF THE FIREFIGHTER ARSONIST Always Seems To Be In The Right Place At The Right Time

Slide 76

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference JOHN ORR

Slide 77

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference

Slide 78

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference BASIC PROFILE OF THE FIREFIGHTER ARSONIST Works In Low Paying Jobs With Low Recognition And Esteem; Therefore Joins Fire Department For Recognition Fascination With The Fire Service

Slide 79

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference LESS OBVIOUS FACTORS Disruptive, Harsh, Or Unstable Home Environment As A Child Ineffective Or Absent Father, Poor Relationship With Father Dominant Or Overprotective Mother Average Intelligence, But Poor To Average Academic Record

Slide 80

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference LESS OBVIOUS FACTORS Shy Or Ineffective Relationships With Women, Poor Marital Adjustment If Married May Be Experiencing Unusual Personal Stress (Family, Financial, Legal) May Use Alcohol To Release Inhibitions When Setting Fires

Slide 81

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference ADDITIONAL FACTS AND TRAITS Firefighters Who Commit Arson May Associate With Other Firefighters Who Have Similar Desire To Be A Hero Or Have A Fascination With Fire The Fire Departments That Have Experienced This Problem Recently Are Mostly Rural With Normally Low Call Volume

Slide 82

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference ADDITIONAL FACTS AND TRAITS A Sudden Increase In The Number Of Small Fires, False Alarms, Bomb Threats, Or Similar Responses Should Alert The Fire Chief To A Possible Problem The Increase In The Severity Of Fires Is Also A Sign

Slide 83

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference FIRE SERVICE RESPONSIBILITIES IN PREVENTING FIREFIGHTER ARSON Education & Training Of All Fire Service Personnel Complete Investigation Into Origin & Cause Of All Fires

Slide 84

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference VIDEO

Slide 85

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference BACKGROUND CHECKS ON ALL PERSONNEL All Of The Points Discussed Here May Not Be Possible Due To A Lack Of Resources Or Restrictions Of Law You Need To Do As Much As You Are Allowed To

Slide 86

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference BACKGROUND CHECKS ON ALL PERSONNEL If the Fire Department takes the time to have an applicant fill out this lengthy application, they should get references and then CALL the references They should also check with former Fire Departments and former employers

Slide 87

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference BACKGROUND CHECKS ON ALL PERSONNEL The application packet should include a release form for the applicant to sign for the release of information This background check, if properly conducted, can lead to identification of candidates prone to fire setting

Slide 88

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference BACKGROUND CHECKS ON ALL PERSONNEL Criminal History Driving Record Employment History References School Records Medical Records

Slide 89

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference BACKGROUND CHECKS ON ALL PERSONNEL Credit Records Check With Previous Fire Departments The Individual Has Been Associated With Psychological Screening

Slide 90

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference MONITOR ACTIVITIES OF PERSONNEL Maintain Adequate Records: Personnel, Attendance, Training, Etc. Fire Incident Reports Investigation Reports

Slide 91

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference SUPPORT MANDATORY STATE CERTIFICATIONS FOR FIREFIGHTERS INCLUDING RECRUIT TRAINING ON FIREFIGHTER ARSON

Slide 92

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference ACTIONS TO TAKE WHEN A PROBLEM IS SUSPECTED Immediately Notify The Chief Of The Fire Department Involved If This Is Not Possible Because The Chief May Be A Suspect Or For Other Reasons, You May: Confide In Another Fire Service Or Law Enforcement Official That You Know And Trust

Slide 93

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference Notify The Local Law Enforcement Agency Call Your Local “Crime Stoppers” Program If You Suspect An Individual, But Do Not Have Specific Proof, The Chief May Be Able To Confront The Suspect With Suspicions ACTIONS TO TAKE WHEN A PROBLEM IS SUSPECTED

Slide 94

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference ACTIONS TO TAKE WHEN A PROBLEM IS SUSPECTED

Slide 95

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference Observe If There Are Any Changes In The Trends That Aroused Your Suspicions If You Do Not Feel Comfortable Confronting The Individual, Or If There Is Hard Evidence, Notify The Local Law Enforcement Agency ACTIONS TO TAKE WHEN A PROBLEM IS SUSPECTED

Slide 96

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference DECIDING TO “BLOW THE WHISTLE” You Need To Understand The Difference Between A SNITCH And A WHISTLEBLOWER

Slide 97

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference DECIDING TO “BLOW THE WHISTLE” A SNITCH Gets Information That Is Private And/Or Embarrassing On Someone – They Report It To The Supervisor For Personal Gain

Slide 98

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference DECIDING TO “BLOW THE WHISTLE” A WHISTLEBLOWER Is A Valuable, Dedicated Employee Whom Discovers Problems In Work Quality, Safety, Or Legal Compliance And Reports Them To Someone Who Can Correct The Matter

Slide 99

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference REASONS TO TAKE ACTION AGAINST FIREFIGHTER ARSONISTS It Is An Unlawful Act That Violates The Ethical Mission Of The Fire Service “To Protect Lives And Property Against Unfriendly Fires”

Slide 100

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference CASE STUDY

Slide 101

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference You are a member of the County’s fire investigation task force and have been called to the scene of a fire in a vacant house. It appears that a pile of trash on the exterior of the house was burning. CASE STUDY

Slide 102

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference

Slide 103

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference The fire occurred early on a Saturday morning (0214 hours). Examination of the area of origin indicates that no accidental fire causes were noted and you believe that an open flame was utilized to ignite available combustible materials. CASE STUDY

Slide 104

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference Examination of the fire department’s reports indicate that there have been four other fires within a four block radius of the current incident. Two were trash dumpsters, one was a brush fire, and the other was an abandoned vehicle. All of the fires occurred within the last six months. CASE STUDY

Slide 105

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference Except for the brush fire all of the fires in the area had occurred between 0100 and 0300 hours. None of the fire were investigated. CASE STUDY

Slide 106

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference In interviewing one of the members of the department you discover that on all of the fires, the same three firefighters were the first to arrive at the station. This was unusual since none of the three lived close to the firehouse. CASE STUDY

Slide 107

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference After interviewing the three firefighters who were first at the station, the “weakest link” gives it up and confesses to starting the fires. CASE STUDY

Slide 108

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference

Slide 109

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference What were some of the indicators that would lead someone to believe that this was a case of firefighter arson? CASE STUDY

Slide 110

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference Increase In Nuisance Fires Fires Escalating Fires Occurred At Night Hot Sets No Call For Investigation Same Three Faces First At Fire Station CASE STUDY

Slide 111

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference Plot the locations of the fires on the map As a pattern develops, the offenders will be located at the center One investigator had a series of three fires in a town where the Firehouse was the center of the cluster CLUSTER ANALYSIS

Slide 112

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference Plot the time and date of each fire to see if there is a common denominator Is the fire on a particular night (Fire Department event)? A particular shift? TIME/DATE ANALYSIS

Slide 113

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference One department had a series of fires that always occurred when the Fire Chief was out of town They had at least 10 fires Investigators ended up charging the Assistant Chief with 5 of those fires TIME/DATE ANALYSIS

Slide 114

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference This guy (the Assistant Chief) was also a "Souvenir Hound" He kept a souvenir from each fire he set A fire in a restaurant he kept a menu A fire in a car he kept a piece of the car, etc. TIME/DATE ANALYSIS

Slide 115

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference CASE STUDY

Slide 116

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference This Hamilton County, Tennessee incident had a far reaching, long term impact on the firefighters involved, the community, and the department. CASE STUDY

Slide 117

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference A former volunteer firefighter was attempting to secure his position back as a firefighter and encountered resistance from the chief. CASE STUDY

Slide 118

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference He and six other volunteer firefighters entered into a conspiracy to burn a vacant house, thereby providing this former firefighter an opportunity to call it in and regain the confidence of the chief. CASE STUDY

Slide 119

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference Unfortunately, when he was in the process of starting the fire, he was trapped inside the house and died. A total of six volunteer firefighters were subsequently convicted for this crime. CASE STUDY

Slide 120

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference The surviving firefighters plead guilty to arson and aggravated burglary. Most of the defendants were sentenced to ten-year prison terms. One pleaded guilty to being an accessory after the fact and was sentenced to one year, suspended, and probation. CASE STUDY

Slide 121

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference The volunteer firefighters were current or former members of a volunteer fire department near Chattanooga. CASE STUDY

Slide 122

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference As a result of the charges, investigation, and subsequent sentencing of the men, the department met with much public scrutiny and community mistrust. CASE STUDY

Slide 123

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference Residents called for an immediate investigation into the fire department, focusing on the way it manages its money and staff, as well as its ability and readiness to respond to fires, “…not just the ones they set themselves.” CASE STUDY

Slide 124

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference Residents were outraged with the knowledge that the firefighters received hundreds of hours of training and still considered themselves “so bored they had to set fire to a house.” CASE STUDY

Slide 125

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference The fire chief believed that the incident was an isolated one. CASE STUDY

Slide 126

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference A review of fire reports showed that the department had responded to five suspicious fires in vacant buildings or lots in their jurisdiction over a two year period. All were located within one mile of the fire station. CASE STUDY

Slide 127

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference Ultimately, a review panel was named to review the practices and standards of the department. CASE STUDY

Slide 128

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference The review panel submitted 23 recommendations, which included requesting criminal background checks on current and future members of the department and establishing progressive disciplinary procedures. CASE STUDY

Slide 129

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference After the results of the review panel were made public, there was still much finger pointing, anger, and animosity towards the fire department. CASE STUDY

Slide 130

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference Several residents felt as if nothing had been accomplished with the panel consisting of only emergency personnel, except for one public citizen, and “taking care of their own” allegations surfaced. CASE STUDY

Slide 131

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference This incident demonstrates that the crime of firefighter-related arson can impact the entire community. The impact is still felt by some members of this community today. CASE STUDY

Slide 132

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference TAKING THAT ACTION AGAINST THE PROBLEM IS… The Only Practical Way To Reveal Illegal Conduct Or Major Abuses Of Public Authority The Highest Form Of Loyalty To The Fire Service And It’s Mission Essential To The Public Interest

Slide 133

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference Morally Justified As A Means Of Preventing Or Correcting A Firefighter Arson Problem Being Proactive In Exposing A Problem Thereby Diluting The Negative Image Of The Fire Service Taking Responsibility And Showing Courage TAKING THAT ACTION AGAINST THE PROBLEM IS…

Slide 134

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference …NON-ACTION ONLY GIVES VICTORY TO CRIMINAL ACTION, IMPROPER CONDUCT, AND FAILURE TO THE FIRE SERVICE IN SERVING THE PUBLIC! REMEMBER THAT…

Slide 135

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference

Slide 136

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference LETS NOT SWEEP THIS DIRTY LITTLE SECRET UNDER THE CARPET!

Slide 137

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference

Slide 138

2006 IAAI Annual Training Conference

IAAI dirty secret 2006

URL:
Embed: HTML   XHTML
For WordPress: Get SlideBoom plugin for WordPress
Previous Page Next Page
More by fire
Near Miss Case Studies
Near Miss Cas...
Fire Diver LODD case study
Fire Diver LO...
Fire Fighting and Health Dr. Rodgers PP
Fire Fighting a...
CNG Auto Fire - FIREFIGHTER NEAR MISS compressed pics (2)
CNG Auto Fire ...