Detroit EMT Charged Criminally With Neglect of Duty

Posted by: Curt Varone April 19, 2017 1 Comment

The Detroit Fire Department EMT who refused to respond to the scene of a baby having trouble breathing in 2015, today was charged criminally with willful neglect of duty.

Ann Marie Thomas was fired June 24, 2015 for her role in the May 30, 2015 incident that led to the death of I’Nayah Wright-Trussel. The child’s family is suing Thomas, the city, and the Detroit Fire Department.

The Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office released the following statement:

“It is alleged that Thomas intentionally delayed her response to a dispatch of an 8-month-old infant who was struggling to breath. It is further alleged that Thomas stopped driving her vehicle and parked less than a mile away from the location. Another EMT unit was dispatched to the location.”

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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