Hartford Fire Facing Criticism Over Fire Inspection Lapses

Posted by: Curt Varone April 28, 2015 0

The Hartford Fire Department is facing new scrutiny over the failure to complete state-mandated fire inspections. The department has faced mounting criticisms since last October when FF Kevin Bell was killed in a house fire and FF Jason Martinez was seriously injured.

The criticisms and the ongoing strife overflowed last week when Deputy Chief Daniel Nolan was suspended for disobeying orders, and speaking with the media about perceived communications problems in the department.

Also in recent weeks, the department was cited by CONN OSHA for safety violations related to the LODD of Kevin Bell.

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.
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