Former Fire Chief Rico. The Compton City Council dropped the plan to re-establish its own police department because of the city's financial difficulties. In an interview, he vowed to restore the citys certifications and get defibrillators back on fire apparatus. The allegations shook the Compton Fire Department, where Melanson had been well-liked. 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. By clicking I Accept or using our site, you are consenting to the use of cookies unless you disable them. Welsh is originally from Swisher, Iowa. Marrone committed to the board that he would work to continue efforts by his predecessor, Daryl Osby, to improve representation within the agency, to make sure we can move the needle to be more inclusive of women and people of color, not only when hiring, but when promoting.. 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. I fully expect that we make significant gains in that area., Marrone responded, I will be intentional that I will move the needle forward toward more diversity in our fire department. Copyright 2023 "I'm not mad at him, more mad at what he did," said Deputy Chief Bryan Batiste, who knew Melanson since his involvement with the Fire Department in high school. We, and other small departments across the country, often rely on mutual aid from other fire departments when responding to major emergencies such as building fires, major vehicle crashes, and large grass fires. In California, Compton is ranked 909th of 1798 cities in Fire Departments per capita, and 448th of 1798 cities in Fire Departments per square mile. City Manager Johnny Ford said officials would examine how most city firetrucks and ambulances were stripped of defibrillators, a crucial lifesaving device that rescuers use to deliver a shock to try to restart the heart of cardiac arrest victims. Ford declined to say how long he thought the investigation would take or whether Thompson would return to the job. 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.. Compton Fire Department 1 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. COMPTON, Calif. 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 . 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. You will be redirected once the validation is complete. He also conceded the department needs to be streamlined, with a reduction in the overall number of employees. First published on May 16, 2013 / 8:56 PM. This may be called Tools or use an icon like the cog. The service requires full JavaScript support in order to view this website. We are able to provide high-quality political journalism to you for free thanks to our advertisers. First published on July 7, 2015 / 10:50 PM. . interacts online and researches product purchases Los Angeles Times. The flames burned through the roof of the building, which was heavily damaged. Smith, 65, served as Comptons fire chief for four years, leaving the office in 2007, he said. Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads, Your Privacy Choices/(Opt-Out of Sale/Targeted Ads). 2015 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. All Rights Reserved. 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. Copyright 2023 As you stay cozy and warm this winter season, be fire smart! Administration Office 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. He was terminated earlier this year. 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. 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 agencys ranks. For the latest on this developing story follow @palewire. He pleaded no contest in April to charges of felony arson of property and embezzlement by a public official. Chief Compton was the Fire Chief in Mesa, Arizona, for 5 years and Assistant Fire Chief in Phoenix where he served for 27 years. All rights reserved. The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. An investigation by the Los Angeles Sheriffs Department found that many of the radios were sold to private buyers or on EBay and that Melanson had been selling Compton-owned radio equipment since 2008. Copyright 2023 FireRescue1. You must enable JavaScript in your browser to view and post comments. Former Fire Chief Rico Smith will take over day-to-day management of the department and serve as interim chief, Ford said. Please enable JavaScript on your browser and try again. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, ICE detainees allege retaliation for speaking about medical conditions at Otay Mesa center, Downtown L.A stabbing sends six to hospital; suspect arrested, San Diego Roman Catholic diocese facing yet another lawsuit from its insurance company, Desperate mountain residents trapped by snow beg for help; We are coming, sheriff says, Newsom, IRS give Californians until October to file tax returns, Californias snowpack is approaching an all-time record, with more on the way, This is me, this is my face: Actress Mimi Rogers on aging naturally, without cosmetic surgery, Look up: The 32 most spectacular ceilings in Los Angeles, Winter storms ease drought conditions in California, report shows, 19 cafes that make L.A. a world-class coffee destination, This fabled orchid breeder loves to chat just not about Trader Joes orchids, Best coffee city in the world? If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. 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 agencys management of emergency medical care. A huge fire visible across Los Angeles burned material in a commercial yard and parked buses early Friday. 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. You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times. An obituary later said . Opening the process will ensure that diverse applicants from across the nation have the opportunity to apply, according to the letter. Are you the Compton Fire Department 1 Fire Chief? All rights reserved. ONLINE PAYMENTS Republic Water Account Access. Install and test carbon monoxide alarms at least once a month. Batiste told CBS2/KCAL9 county regulators ordered the removal last week after fire officials couldn't provide documentation showing some firefighters had been properly trained to use them. You can help us to keep this page up to date: firefighter pleads guilty to 3 counts of manslaughter, is sentenced to probation, 3 demoted FDNY chiefs sue to get positions back after dramatic shakeup, Open the tools menu in your browser. Home fires occur more in winter than in any other season. 100 Newport DrivePort Moody, BC V3H 5C3604-469-4500Email Us, Recreation Complex 300 Ioco Drive604-469-4556Email us, Kyle Centre125 Kyle Street604-469-4561Email us. VINTAGE ASST BATT CHIEF HORSHAM SHIELD PA FIRE DEPT . Compton Junction FD was assisted by Nevada Fire Department, Hume Fire Department, and Deerfield Fire Department. Are you a Firefighter at Compton Fire Department 1 or a member of the Compton community? 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 2018 Fire Rescue Community Report outlines the department's mission, reports out on 2018 stats, and highlights the role of each division. / KCAL News. Officials say the investigation is continuing. He remains in custody in lieu of $250,000.00 bail. Olmsted Fire Department- $26,000. winter fires! Rick Roman emphasizes that paramedics carry advanced equipment that can deliver different voltage on cardiac-arrest patients. All rights reserved. Apr 16, 2014. Compton-born Oscar winners Travon Free and Samir Hernandez were in attendance and were recognized for their film "Two Distant Strangers". Provide protection of life and property and the environment twenty-four hours a day, 365. 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. Your request has been confirmed! 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. 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. 1. Keeping this cookie enabled helps us to improve our website. Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet from any heat source like fireplaces, wood stoves, radiators or space heaters. I am glad that we are taking the first step.. 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. 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. DeSantis to headline OC Republican Party fundraiser, Desert X exhibition to begin with artwork from a dozen artists, Snow impacts SB National Forest, post offices, state tax deadline, Ex-Navy officer gets jail for taking bribes in Fat Leonard scandal, Moderate exercise, daily walks linked to decrease in dementia risk, Over $17M in restitution ordered for victims of cryptocurrency fraud, Capitol police arrest mother of woman killed in Jan. 6 protest, Grants fund airport upgrades; LAX expects 12M for spring break, LA council approves $54M budget increase for Metro, LAPD contract, LA City Council amends emergency declaration on homelessness, Bafferts Defunded favored in Santa Anita Handicap, California Horse Racing Board agrees to comply with federal rules, Pasadena teacher arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting student, Authorities seek help finding disabled man missing in Altadena, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever tops streamed TV ratings, Woman allegedly assaulted by Uber driver seeks default judgment, Riverside paves way for retail cannabis vendors to open citywide, Orange County man among two indicted in dark web narcotics sales case, Reseda man charged in alleged $21M cryptocurrency fraud scheme, Inland Empire food bank hosts program for kids on reducing food waste, Young scientists compete at Riverside County science fair, Rep. Judy Chu makes special speaking appearance at Arcadia High, Sherman Oaks school wins LAUSD Academic Decathlon, Winter storms: More rain, snow hit drenched Southern California, DWP worker suffers injury while restoring power, in intensive care, Winter storm called one of the strongest ever to hit Southland, Judge dismisses retaliation suit brought by El Segundo fire captain, Large fire erupts at Dominguez High School in Compton, 2 critically injured in greater alarm house fire in South Los Angeles, LA County urges COVID precautions despite end of emergency, Orange Countys COVID-19 metrics stay flat as death toll rises, LA County urges continued COVID precautions as emergency ends, Culver City police looking for missing elderly woman with dementia, 79-year-old man goes missing, last seen in San Pedro, Endangered missing advisory issued for man last seen in Lancaster, Special counsels report: LASD must eradicate deputy gangs, California extends tax deadlines to October due to storms, Small asteroid to make close fly-by of Earth Thursday, USC study: Music education bolsters students mental well-being, LACMA acquires largest collection of blockchain art in America, Websites selling abortion pills are sharing sensitive data with Google, Space Systems Command successfully launches military satellites, Cedars-Sinai sued for allegedly sharing private patient info online, Everything Everywhere looks to continue winning streak at Spirit Awards, Actor Tom Sizemore dead in LA at age 61 after brain aneurysm, Rain, snow continue to slam SoCal; Grapevine closed, Barger asks for report on LA County train derailment readiness, Long Beach Airport terminal to close for year-long renovation, BOS wants new LA County Fire Department chief to bolster diversity in ranks, Please fill out the form and we will submit a Media Kit directly to you. Thompson did not returns calls seeking comment. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. 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,. 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 . Fire Chief? Find out more or adjust your settings. He will return to serve as interim chief, taking over for Fire Chief Jon Thompson, who was put on administrative leave. Please enter valid email address to continue. As you stay cozy and warm this winter season, be fire smart! Lexipol. 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. 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. For breaking news in Southern California, follow @AliciaDotBanks. Marcel Melanson, 38, was. Fire officials are still struggling to restore emergency medical technician licenses that lapsed for 17 of the citys 74 firefighters, including Thompson. I heard you use the word equality, and I want to suggest the focus should be equity, given the historic under-representation, she said. We will fix everything thats broke. Smith said. . Marcel Melanson, 37, was arrested Wednesday without incident at his Torrance home on charges of felony arson and grand theft, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. www.firehouse.com is using a security service for protection against online attacks. I can do this in my sleep.. In a letter to the board, the groups called for a 90-day delay in the vote to allow for a more thorough search for the next chief. COMPTON, Calif. 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 equipment. | Photo courtesy of LACoFD, UCLA gifted $20M to establish center for study of microbial organisms, City of Hope awarded $8M for prostate cancer research, SpaceX, NASA launch astronauts to International Space Station, Roddenberry Foundation announces launch of prize for science/tech ventures, LA Mayor Bass to seek new GM for Animal Services Department, How rights in US have eroded since last Womens History Month, Bull-riding event heads to downtown Los Angeles amid protests, Immigrants are Essential fund to support CA immigration nonprofits, Study links shipping to 20% of carbon emissions from food creation, Poll data shows LA County residents opinions on climate change, State wants climate champions to serve in Climate Action Corps, LA council members seek to streamline solar energy approvals, Palm Springs Art Museum to begin Artful Events fundraising series, Fun things to do in SoCal this week: March 3-9, Fun things to do in SoCal this week: Feb. 24-March 2, K-pop star, Arcadia High alumnus Mark Tuan gives back to alma mater, From design to landfill: Lifecycle of your $3 Shein shirt, Art space in San Gabriel, The Scholart Selection, opens with Pasadena artist Cissy Li show, Man set to be arraigned on murder charges in deaths of model, her friend, Michael B. Jordan honored with star on Hollywood Walk of Fame, David Byrne to perform This is a Life at Oscars, McCallum Theatre names finalists for amateur talent show in April, New sentencing date set for Tory Lanez in shooting of Megan Thee Stallion, LA Phil to honor Walt Disney Concert Hall architect Frank Gehry, A Noise Within stages Metamorphoses to end its 30th anniversary season, Return from the Wings: The Robey Theatre Company, Return from the Wings San Gabriel Valley Sierra Madre Playhouse, L.A. Chinatown Firecracker Run now includes bike ride through Pasadena, Mixed bag for CA in annual health rankings, Young adults are the most lonely, data shows, CA outdoor recreation worth $54 billion per year, Shooting-related incidents this week in Los Angeles County, LA Countys COVID-19 hospitalization rate stabilizes, 25-year-old man last seen in Lancaster reported missing, Gasoline average steadily creeps toward $5 in LA, Orange counties, Carjacking suspect arrested following high-speed 4-county chase, Man pleads guilty to child stealing involving 4-year-old son, Child, adults suffer injuries in Long Beach house fire, LAFC to hold MLS championship banner and ring ceremony, Pinocchio, Top Gun among nominees for USC Scripter Award, Man arrested after allegedly stabbing 6 people in downtown LA, Daughter charged with fatally stabbing 72-year-old mother, Florida Gov. 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. As battalion chief of the Compton Fire Department, Melanson became a star of First In, a 10-episode reality show about the department that aired last fall on BET. Compton Fire Department 1 This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. 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. Renee Rose said. Return to Staff Directory. Daniel Gomez, president of the union that represents rank-and-file Compton firefighters. You can find more information about our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, Enter your phone number to be notified if you win. Patrick Willis, an arson investigator with the Long Beach Fire Department, told the court Melanson sought to make the fire look accidental. Compton fire officials were unable to produce paperwork showing city firefighters had up-to-date training, and the devices were removed from non-paramedic vehicles Friday. and suppliers. 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. . Firefighters battle a fire at a commercial yard in Compton, Calif., on Friday, Feb. 26, 2021. Irreversible brain damage can begin after four minutes. is a Fire Department located in Compton, LOS ANGELES County, in the State of CA. 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. Douglas Compton, Ed.D. Updated: 2:07 PM CST March 3, 2023. 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. Thank you to Chief Jack Ambrose from the Morris County Sheriff's Office for taking the time to speak with a group of our Criminal Justice Students on February . Shop high quality Compton Fire Department shirts from Compton Fire Apparel.. (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 . Supervisor Holly Mitchell told Marrone the agency has had a historic under-representation of people of color and women.. Select the option or tab named Internet Options (Internet Explorer), Options (Firefox), Preferences (Safari) or Settings (Chrome). The inferno erupted in Compton before. Enter https://www.firerescue1.com/ and click OK. 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. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.