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Interesting Topic from Citizen Editorial in the Fredericksnurg, VA Free-Lance Star
While I was reading all of the comments that citizens had left in the local newspaper about the release of the "external" review of the February 5, 2010 fire I have writing about, one post caught my attention.
The post asked “if anything had really changed" since the the tragic February 5th fire, and then suggested that all of the Chief Officers who made the "critical" mistakes should have resigned from office? The answer to that question is a definite no! Most of the officers involved in that incident are under the mindset that they did nothing wrong so why should they resign? The fact that an innocent woman died that morning from the actions of the Chief Officers should be reason enough for them to look in the mirror and say maybe it is best that I step aside and let someone with more experience, knowledge of the ICS and NIMS, and the proper use of firefighting equipment step in and run the Department in a more professional manner. It is obvious from the actions of that morning that some Chief Officers have no clue about proper firefighting techniques. Some of the Chiefs do not think that they did anything wrong although the "internal" review of this fire came up with over 40 recommendations to change the way incidents are handled in Spotsylvania so obviously they did not know what they were doing and it always starts at the top and works its way down.
So, if these Chiefs really do care about their departments, maybe it is time for them to resign. Just some food for thought.
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Comment by Brady Matthew Grim on June 29, 2010 at 5:48pm
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Chief France, I appreciate your comments. I think all of us as officers have been "Monday Monring Quarterbacked". As you said, that is life and that is so true. It is when a department wuch as Chancellor has refused, for the most part, to admit they made any mistakes. That is where the problem lies and the reason for my posts and comments. It is ashame that this is happening and that they are trying to put some of the blame on the condition of the inside of the house cluttered and called the deceased a "borderline hoarder". Let us not forget that the deceased gave very detailed directions to her room while the firefighters where conducting both primary and secondary searches and failed to find her for over 20 minutes. That is totally unacceptable and that is what we should keep our focus on - not blaming the victim for having a messy house. As for the change of officers, a good house cleaning might be good, who knows, but hopefully they would act in a more professional manner than they have been during and after this fire.
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Robert, I agree with you 100%. We, as the fire service must overcome and adapt to all situations - that is what we are known for. Passing blame to the homeowner like some of the officers and firefighters did because the deceased was a "borderline hoarder" is a cowardly excuse in not doing your job correctly. The buck does needs to stop somewhere and that is what my original post was about. The Chief Officers and Officers do need to look in the mirror and do a self assessment. It is the right thing to do.
To the post by Mr. Bierton, I have had numerous conversations with the reporter from the Free-Lance Star and he is anything but anti-volunteer and does not hold a "vengeance" against anyone. His only goal was to report the facts. He could only write on the facts he was given and they were very limited due to the Chancellor Volunteer Fire Department refusing to talk to him and give him their side of the story. Trust me he tried. When he finally did get to talk with the Incident Commander, Chancellor dictated what questions would be asked and answered and no more. He would love to write more on this story to make it look "less volunteer vs.career" or having a "vengeance" against Chancellor but Chancellor will not allow him to do so. I hope this answers somee of your questions on that aspect. He truly wants a better Fire/EMS system for Spotsylvania County and that is his ultimate goal.
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Comment by Robert Owens on June 28, 2010 at 9:52pm
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If not resign then a definet self assesment of the departments ACTUAL skill level needs to happen.
Bottom line 43 were identified by Chief Eudaily that went wrong in this fire. Some of them so basic you wonder how some of these guys arrived at the fire in the first place.
no 360 (which if had been done the victims window would have been visualized), improper PPE, radios not turned on etc.
Granted supposed hoarding conditions were reported, but this has to be dealt with, we can not minimize a persons life or our job expectations based on thier life style. We simply have to adapt and overcome.
Lastly someone died in a fire that had the oppourtunity to survive.....like it or not someone has to take the blame and in this situation it has to be the fire department. We can not pass the buck, and we can not deflect our short comings. Our profession is noble and must remain so even more in defeat than in victory. This is vital in order to maintain the trust and respect that the public has in us. Blaming anyone else (especially the homeowner) is a move on cowadice that will only harm the entire fire services reputation.
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Comment by Bill Brierton on June 28, 2010 at 4:17pm
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I know about the fire you are referring to. I really don't think anybody including the press should "quarterback" the actions of the departments or individuals involved.
No I was not there, since I am a volunteer in Maryland but having read the articles in the Free Lance Star it appeared to me that the writer wrote with vengence against the departments and individuals involved.
Whether career, paid or volunteer not everything is going to go the right way on a fire ground we are after all human. Even with numerous hours of training and years of experience not every call is going to go the way that it should.
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