The cause of the fire remained under investigation, a Compton Fire Department battalion chief told City News. Compton Fire Chief Jon Thompson was placed on leave Tuesday as the city launched an investigation after a series of Times reports on breakdowns in the fire agency's . I heard you use the word equality, and I want to suggest the focus should be equity, given the historic under-representation, she said. He remains in custody in lieu of $250,000.00 bail. A former Compton Fire Department battalion chief was sentenced to three years and four months in prison for selling city-owned radio equipment and starting a fire to conceal the theft,. COMPTON (CBSLA.com) A former deputy chief for the Compton Fire Department has been arrested for allegedly starting a fire at headquarters and stealing thousands of dollars in radio. Fire Departments - Compton, CA (Fire Stations & Marshals) "We have identified where the breakdown was in terms of the training and the continuing [education] and so the county and Department of Public Health is working with us," he said, adding, "Since we've taken them off, there hasn't been any type of calls where we would have used them within the last week or so.". FireRescue1 is revolutionizing the way the fire service community Prior to being placed on leave, Thompson maintained that losing defibrillators from most fire vehicles did not put the public at greater risk. 2.6 (11-16-016) Fire Chief, Each 9-1-1 Provider Agency; CEO, Each Private Provider Agency: California Occupation Safety and Health Standards related to workplace violence prevention in health care. Expand search. Do Not Sell My Personal Information, If you need further help setting your homepage, check your browsers Help menu, LODD: Buffalo firefighter dies after being trapped in blaze, N.Y. authorities release name of Buffalo firefighter killed in downtown fire, Ala. FD lieutenant fights to keep rank after scheduling incident, Mo. He had faced up to 10 years and eight months in prison, Rose said. 91. Marcel Melanson - Fast Company Compton Junction FD was assisted by Nevada Fire Department, Hume Fire Department, and Deerfield Fire Department. I have a vision for the fire department thats going to be more inclusive, but we really need to start with that foundational budget. Thompson will continue to be paid while on leave, he said. Cardiac arrests are among the most time-sensitive medical emergencies. 2013 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. PDF Program Review Academic year 2011-2012 Fire and - Compton College A huge fire visible across Los Angeles burned material in a commercial yard and parked buses early Friday. They believe Melanson deliberately set fire to the facility to conceal theft of Motorola radios worth thousands of dollars with the intent of selling them over the internet. Lexipol. May 17, 2013. Compton Fire Department Chief Jon Thompson has been . Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Published: September 2020. Preparing for an emergency is everyone's responsibility. Updated: 2:07 PM CST March 3, 2023. Get up to speed with our Essential California newsletter, sent six days a week. Deputy Fire Chief Bryan Batiste says the removal of four defibrillators from their trucks and ambulances shouldn't worry residents. The 2018 Fire Rescue Community Report outlines the department's mission, reports out on 2018 stats, and highlights the role of each division. Welsh is originally from Swisher, Iowa. interacts online and researches product purchases Keep portable generators outside, away from windows, and as far away as possible from your house. The groups and others also blasted the Board of Supervisors, saying it failed to hold a thorough, transparent and fair search for a new fire chief. COMPTON, Calif. A former Compton Fire Department battalion chief pleaded no contest Tuesday to felony charges of arson of property and embezzlement by a public . Former battalion chief admits setting fire in Calif. station - FireRescue1 2023, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of KCRA-TV. Melanson is expected to be sentenced May 22. 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Station The allegations shook the Compton Fire Department, where Melanson had been well-liked. In the meantime, if units without a paramedic arrive first at the scene of a cardiac arrest, they could be limited to providing CPR until more highly trained rescuers arrive to deliver an electronic shock. This will increase the pool of men and women committed to equality and opportunity with the required education and relevant certifications to consider for this critical role.. Fire Capt. Patrick Willis, an arson investigator with the Long Beach Fire Department, told the court Melanson sought to make the fire look accidental. You must enable JavaScript in your browser to view and post comments. The arrest stems from what investigators say was a suspicious fire that broke out at Compton Fire Department headquarters on Acacia Avenue on December 11, 2011. LOS ANGELES The county Board of Supervisors unanimously approved Anthony C. Marrone as the next county fire chief Feb. 28, but board members made clear they wanted to see improvements in the numbers of women and people of color in the agency's ranks. Prosecutors said that on Dec. 11, 2011, Melanson reportedly set fire to radio equipment that then caused extensive damage to the Compton Fire Department's headquarters. Under state law, emergency rescuers must be periodically retrained on how to use the equipment before it can be carried on the firetrucks and ambulances that respond to the bulk of 911 calls for medical help. California Nearly 1 in 4 Compton firefighters is working without an EMT permit Engines from the Compton Fire Department on display during an unveiling in 2006. Look for a box or option labeled Home Page (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari) or On Startup (Chrome). Firefighters battle a fire at a commercial yard in Compton, Calif., on Friday, Feb. 26, 2021. finds relevant news, identifies important training information, First published on July 7, 2015 / 10:50 PM. Douglas Compton, Ed.D. on LinkedIn: Thank you to Chief Jack Ambrose Massive fire visible across Los Angeles burns commercial Compton yard Fire Rescue - City of Port Moody The sheriff's department continues to provide police services for the city. The mysterious death of Steven Velozo | WPRI.com This button displays the currently selected search type. Please enable Essential Cookies first so that we can save your preferences! Copyright 2023 July 7, 2015 / 10:50 PM In 1925, the department converted to professional status, hiring its first paid fire chief and five firefighters, supplementing its current staff of 20 volunteer firefighters. 2009-2022 USA Fire Departments usfiredept.com All Rights reserved. When that plan was scrapped, the city hoped to recoup some of its investment by selling the radios. Compton Fire Department 1 www.firehouse.com is using a security service for protection against online attacks. Port Moody Fire Services | Firefighting Wiki | Fandom Fire Department Title: Fire Chief Phone: 417-732-3801 Return to Staff Directory. Salton Community Services District Fire Dept, California State Prison-Los Angeles County Fire Department, Linden-Peters Rural County Fire Protection District, General Dynamics NASSCO - Fire Department. Fire & Emergency Services - City of Port Coquitlam The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Tuesday unanimously approved Anthony C. Marrone as the next county fire chief, but board members made clear they wanted to see improvements in the numbers of women and people of color in the agency's ranks. Authorities conducted a joint investigation with arson investigators from the Long Beach Fire Department and Montebello Fire Department. 1 in December 2011 in an indoor racquetball court where the radio equipment was stored. You must enable JavaScript in your browser to view and post comments. Investigators from the Long Beach and Montebello fire departments, including the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, determined the fire was caused by arson. Some law enforcement agencies have also begun to carry the devices. As a result of the plea, authorities dropped the more severe charge of arson of a structure and a second embezzlement count. Supervisor Holly Mitchell told Marrone the agency has had a historic under-representation of people of color and women.. As you stay cozy and warm this winter season, be fire smart! Authorities charge that the terminated deputy chief set a fire at department headquarters as part of his theft of thousands of dollars in radios. or a member of the Compton community? Thompson was placed on administrative leave at Tuesday night's City Council meeting. Chief Compton's Research Corner | IFSJLM The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, Montebello Fire Department and Long Beach Fire Vintage Fireman Fire Department Helmet Badge Shield RIDGEFIELD FD Cairns & Bro . Fire Chief Jon Thompson said he was happy that Melanson's plea saved his department from getting involved in a trial. Marcel Melanson, 38, was. is a Fire Department located in Compton, LOS ANGELES County, in the State of CA. . You can help us to keep this page up to date:Help update this Fire Department's Information. Fire Chief? The radios were purchased by Compton's city government in connection with the planned re-establishment of the Compton Police Department, LASD spokesperson Steve Whitmore said. Ford Aerostar van. who was a member of the Compton Fire Department for over 15 years, is . He is scheduled to be arraigned Friday at 8:30 a.m. at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center. Get up to speed with our Essential California newsletter, sent six days a week. All rights reserved. 1. COMPTON (CBSLA.com) Compton Fire Department Chief Jon Thompson has been placed on leave pending an investigation into compliance with key lifesaving devices. PDF County of Los Angeles Emergency Medical Services Commission The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. The city managers move to place Thompson on leave was welcomed by Councilwoman Janna Zurita, who has been a critic of the way city leaders have handled the agencys problems. Welcome to Little Compton, RI Provide protection of life and property and the environment twenty-four hours a day, 365. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads, Your Privacy Choices/(Opt-Out of Sale/Targeted Ads). In Case of an Emergency, call 9-1-1. www.firehouse.com is using a security service for protection against online attacks. In an interview, he vowed to restore the citys certifications and get defibrillators back on fire apparatus. 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CITY CAREERS Browse & Apply for Jobs . Compton Fire Apparel - Home | Facebook Copyright 2023 July 15 is National Pet Fire Safety Day! He has been with the department for 36 years, previously serving as acting chief deputy over business operations. finds relevant news, identifies important training information, Return to Staff Directory. . A tech lover who constantly finds . (C70) - 1978 Chevrolet Step Van 30 command (Ex-Port Moody Public Works) (Sold 2004) 1975 Dodge 300 4x4 / Truck Utilities Corp. walk around rescue (Ex-Rescue 62) (Sold 1988 to North Cowichan Fire Department Crofton BC) (VA368) - 1973 Ford C-904 / Pierreville pumper (1050/250) (SN#PFT-351) (Traded July 1995 to Anderson's) (Ex . NEIGHBORHOODS: Read more news from Compton. Plug only 1 heat-producing appliance (such as a space heater) into an electrical outlet at a time. Melanson set up the fire to look accidental, said Patrick Wills, an arson investigator with the Long Beach Fire Department. and suppliers. Former Fire Chief Rico Smith will take over day-to-day management of the department and serve as interim chief, Ford said. FireRescue1 is revolutionizing the way the fire service community This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Hundreds gather in Compton to celebrate Black History Month Former Fire Chief Rico. His chief was suspicious, and after a five-month investigation Melanson was arrested Thursday.Prosecutors say Melanson's theft and the fire damages totaled more than $200,000. Melanson's case has been submitted to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's office. Are you the Compton Fire Department 1 Fire Chief? We will get in touch with you shortly. Location and Mailing Address. I can do this in my sleep.. Fire officials are still struggling to restore emergency medical technician licenses that lapsed for 17 of the citys 74 firefighters, including Thompson. As technology has improved in recent years, the public has been encouraged to treat victims with computerized defibrillators installed in public places such as airports, offices, zoos and government buildings. Inside were about 200 radios valued at more than $1 million. Please enable cookies on your browser and try again. The 2018 Fire Rescue Community Report outlines the department's mission, reports out on 2018 stats, and highlights the role of each division. It appears you are trying to access this site using an outdated browser. We carry out our business on the ancestral and unceded homelands of thekikm (Kwikwetlem), slilwta (Tsleil-Waututh), xmkym (Musqueam), Swxw7mesh (Squamish), qicy (Katzie), qa:n n (Kwantlen), qiqyt (Qayqayt), and St:l (Sto:lo) Peoples, and extend appreciation for the opportunity to work on this territory. Lexipol. All rights reserved. His bail was set at $350,000.The 37-year-old Melanson had appeared on the BET reality series "First In.". Investigators from the Long Beach and Montebello fire departments, as well as the U.S.Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, concluded the blaze was arson. If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. All rights reserved. Full story: Former Compton Fire Department deputy chief arrested for arson. Los Angeles Times. Each member of the group has completed a refresher course, but only one has scheduled and passed the final exam to renew an EMT license. The Los Angeles County Fire Department is responsible for protecting the lives and property of 4 million residents living in 1.25 million housing units in 60 cities, including the City of La Habra in Orange County, and the unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County. Welsh has contributed to projects that have won the Pulitzer Prize, the Library of Congress Innovation Award, a Knight News Challenge grant and numerous other prizes for investigative reporting, digital design and online journalism. Chief Compton was the Fire Chief in Mesa, Arizona, for 5 years and Assistant Fire Chief in Phoenix where he served for 27 years. Attention then turned to Melanson, who was on duty at the station the night of the fire and the only one with access to the radios. Find out all the information about the Fire Departments in the USA. Select the option or tab named Internet Options (Internet Explorer), Options (Firefox), Preferences (Safari) or Settings (Chrome). It's the most comprehensive and trusted online destination for fire service professionals worldwide. You've been successfully signed up for the Fire Chief. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Emergency Operations - Fire Department April 16--A former Compton Fire Department battalion chief pleaded no contest Tuesday to felony charges of arson of property and embezzlement by a public official. FIREFIGHTING TRAINING AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES BUREAU DISPATCH All rights reserved. Look for a box or option labeled Home Page (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari) or On Startup (Chrome). Former fire chief, reality TV star arrested for setting fire to cover Glatfelter Award Recognizes Chief Dennis Compton's Extraordinary The equipment, valued at more than $1 million, was bought by the city during a failed attempt to revive its Police Department, which had been disbanded in favor of a policing contract with theLos Angeles County Sheriff's Department. I am glad that we are taking the first step.. www.firehouse.com is using a security service for protection against online attacks. According to authorities, a fire broke out at Compton's Fire Station No. The event also included a special presentation to honor former Compton Fire Chief Monroe Smith for his contributions to the Compton community as the first Black man to head a fire department in California. City Of Compton Fire Department - Headquarters - Los Angeles County Marrone has been serving as interim chief of the department since July 2022. We do have defibrillators, said Capt. Thanks! May 16, 2013 / 8:56 PM Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. A former battalion chief for the Compton Fire Department who once appeared on a reality television show has been charged with setting fire to his own department's headquarters in an embezzlement scheme.Marcel Melanson pleaded not guilty Friday to arson and embezzlement.Los Angeles County Sheriff's investigators say the 15-year department veteran stole radios that were intended to be part of a communications upgrade, then set the headquarters on fire in December in an attempt to conceal the theft. Investigation Continues Into Fire at Dominguez High School Atty. When expanded it provides a list of search options that will switch the search inputs . This may be called Tools or use an icon like the cog. Douglas Compton, Ed.D. Melanson was fired from the department before being arrested in May 2013. His selection as chief was met with opposition from several organizations, including the Womens Fire League, L.A. County Stentorians and Los Bomberos de LA County, who pointed to systemic failures in the department to bolster diversity within the department and create jobs and advancement opportunities for women and people of color. Mitchell said she wants to continue to make strong strides ahead in making sure the fire department is a representative department that reflects the diversity of L.A. County., Please know that I will continue to collaborate with you and hold you accountable for those goals, she said. LITTLE COMPTON, R.I. (WPRI) When Steven Velozo died on Oct. 2, little about his death was made public. The service requires full JavaScript support in order to view this website. Copyright 2023 FireRescue1. Compton, CA Deputy Chief Marcel Melanson, who starred in - Statter911 Alicia Banks is a former Metpro trainee at the Los Angeles Times. As a result, parts of the site may not function properly for you. Ben Welsh is the former editor of the Data and Graphics Department, a team of reporters and computer programmers who collect, organize, analyze and present large amounts of information. Daniel Gomez, president of the union that represents rank-and-file Compton firefighters. He is also a co-founder of the California Civic Data Coalition, a network of journalists and computer programmers dedicated to opening up public data, and the leader of Pastpages, an open-source effort to better archive digital news. #1 Fire Hall, 1725 Broadway Street Port Coquitlam, BC V3C 2M9. Chief Compton has been a member of the fire service since 1971, rising through the ranks to become Assistant Fire Chief of Phoenix (AZ) Fire Department and later Fire Chief of Mesa (AZ) Fire . The building was slightly damaged, and many of the 200-plus radios were destroyed. We are able to provide high-quality political journalism to you for free thanks to our advertisers. Village of Evansville Fire Department- $25,837.62. He also conceded the department needs to be streamlined, with a reduction in the overall number of employees. He was later assigned to Fire Station 105 in Compton as his second probationary station. We do have paramedic services. VINTAGE ASST BATT CHIEF HORSHAM SHIELD PA FIRE DEPT . Thompson did not returns calls seeking comment. He said that effort will begin by working to stabilize the departments budget, which he said needs to be increased to provide a higher level of service for the community. "By his plea in criminal court, Marcel took responsibility for his actions, for not only a violation of the law, but for a violation of the trust of the residents of Compton," defense attorney George Bird said in a statement.