San Antonio Lowers the Boom on Seat Belts

A November apparatus accident where personnel were not belted and the driver was driving too fast has led to serious safety related disciplinary actions by the San Antonio Fire Department, including the suspension of 3 of the 4 firefighters on board.

Citing serious cultural issues that need to be addressed, Fire Chief Charles Hood announced the suspensions last week. The November 14, 2010 accident occurred while Ladder 35 was taking a corner enroute to a structure fire. Traveling too fast into the corner, the truck rolled over and was totaled. One firefighter was seriously injured with a broken neck.

Chief Hood indicated that despite the San Antonio Fire Department having a formal seat belt policy, it was routinely being ignored. He referred to the accident as a “wake-up call” for his fire department. In an interview with the San Antonio Express, the chief said “I’ve never had to discipline for a driving infraction since I’ve been here, but a strong message needed to be sent to the members of the department.”

The most serious penalty was reserved for the officer of Ladder 35, Captain Larry Schultz. He received a 60 day suspension. The driver, Firefighter  Brandon Wheeler, received a 45 day suspension. Firefighter Brad Phipps received a 5 day suspension.

The injured firefighter, Robert Arranaga,  remains off injured and was not punished.  Coincidentally, he was working his first shift in a line position

Chief Hood has required all personnel to view the wreckage of Ladder 35, and made it clear that he expects the company officers to ensure all firefighters are belted in before the truck leaves the station. The department plans to display the truck at the training academy as a reminder.

About Curt Varone

Curt Varone has over 45 years of fire service experience and 35 as a practicing attorney licensed in both Rhode Island and Maine. His background includes 29 years as a career firefighter in Providence (retiring as a Deputy Assistant Chief), as well as volunteer and paid on call experience. He is the author of two books: Legal Considerations for Fire and Emergency Services, (2006, 2nd ed. 2011, 3rd ed. 2014, 4th ed. 2022) and Fire Officer's Legal Handbook (2007), and is a contributing editor for Firehouse Magazine writing the Fire Law column.
x

Check Also

Albany Prevails at Second Circuit in Discrimination Suit

An Albany fire captain who claims he wrongfully was denied a promotion to battalion chief following an off-duty incident, has lost his appeal to the US Second Circuit Court of Appeals. Captain Jeremy Clawson claims the City of Albany rescinded a civil service promotion he earned in 2019 on account of a disability and his race.

Cincinnati Fire Facing Sexual Harassment and Retaliation Suit

A Cincinnati firefighter has filed suit alleging she was sexually harassed, assaulted by a lieutenant and a firefighter, and retaliated against when she reported the misconduct. Rebecca Bryant filed suit today against the city, former Lieutenant Harold Wright, and firefighter Damonte Brown as defendants.