Marcel Melanson, 38, was. Former Fire Chief Rico. Smith, 65, served as Comptons fire chief for four years, leaving the office in 2007, he said. The service requires full JavaScript support in order to view this website. Melanson must pay restitution, but the amount is still being determined, the prosecutor added. Melanson's case has been submitted to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's office. Patrick Willis, an arson investigator with the Long Beach Fire Department, told the court Melanson sought to make the fire look accidental. Curbing firefighter arsons is one of the toughest nuts to crack, but here are some steps to get a handle on the problem. You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times. Business Hours. . www.firehouse.com is using a security service for protection against online attacks. 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. 3. . 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. Are you the Compton Fire Department 1 Fire Chief? This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Former Fire Chief Rico Smith, right, left the force in 2007. Get up to speed with our Essential California newsletter, sent six days a week. 2015 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. We will fix everything thats broke. Smith said. . He is scheduled to be arraigned Friday at 8:30 a.m. at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center. In Case of an Emergency, call 9-1-1. Enter https://www.firerescue1.com/ and click OK. Some law enforcement agencies have also begun to carry the devices. FIREFIGHTING TRAINING AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES BUREAU DISPATCH Copyright 2023 FireRescue1. Prior to joining the Fire Department, Chief Barrera devoted 16 years climbing the ranks in administrative services at the Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services and Auditor-Controller. 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. As a result of the plea, authorities dropped the more severe charge of arson of a structure and a second embezzlement count. Compton Fire Department Chief Jon Thompson has been . Melanson is expected to be sentenced May 22. Compton-born Oscar winners Travon Free and Samir Hernandez were in attendance and were recognized for their film "Two Distant Strangers". Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet from any heat source like fireplaces, wood stoves, radiators or space heaters. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful. 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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, prosecutors said. 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. finds relevant news, identifies important training information, You must enable JavaScript in your browser to view and post comments. Thompson did not returns calls seeking comment. Thanks! 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. Fire officials are still struggling to restore emergency medical technician licenses that lapsed for 17 of the citys 74 firefighters, including Thompson. Your request has been confirmed! Return to Staff Directory. Full story: Former Compton Fire Department deputy chief arrested for arson. 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. I have a vision for the fire department thats going to be more inclusive, but we really need to start with that foundational budget. Compton Junction FD was assisted by Nevada Fire Department, Hume Fire Department, and Deerfield Fire Department. Preparing for an emergency is everyone's responsibility. 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. "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. The building was slightly damaged, and many of the 200-plus radios were destroyed. 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. Marcel Melanson, 38, was accused of stealing valuable city-owned radio equipment, then setting a fire to cover up the theft. Theres much more work that needs to be done.. When expanded it provides a list of search options that will switch the search inputs . Officials say the investigation is continuing. 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 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. We need to fix it, he said. Cerie Smith, PT, DPT, CSCS, Director of Rehabilitation and Wellness, Phoenix (AZ) Fire Department; Editor: Mike Wieder, Associate Director, FPP, Executive Director, IFSTA. First published on July 7, 2015 / 10:50 PM. Meanwhile, Los Angeles County sheriff's investigators discovered that many of the missing radios were sold on EBay or offline to private buyers, Rose said. Provide protection of life and property and the environment twenty-four hours a day, 365. Help protect your furry family. It's the most comprehensive and trusted online destination for fire service professionals worldwide. Thompson will continue to be paid while on leave, he said. His bail was set at $350,000.The 37-year-old Melanson had appeared on the BET reality series "First In.". As you stay cozy and warm this winter season, be fire smart! "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. The service requires full cookie support in order to view this website. The Compton Fire Chief requested the LASDs Internal Criminal Investigations Bureau to assist in looking into the case on January 4, 2012. I can do this in my sleep.. / KCAL News. Renee Rose said. Opening the process will ensure that diverse applicants from across the nation have the opportunity to apply, according to the letter. Fire Capt. Address: 201 S. Acacia Ave. Compton CA 90220 Website: http://www.comptoncity.org Hours: Monday through Thursday, 7:00am to 6:00pm. Are you a Firefighter at and suppliers. You can help us to keep this page up to date:Help update this Fire Department's Information. Look for a box or option labeled Home Page (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari) or On Startup (Chrome). You must enable JavaScript in your browser to view and post comments. Ford declined to say how long he thought the investigation would take or whether Thompson would return to the job. The Compton Fire Chief requested the LASD's Internal Criminal Investigations Bureau to assist in looking into the case on January 4, 2012. The sheriff's department continues to provide police services for the city. It's the most comprehensive and trusted online destination for fire service professionals worldwide. He had faced up to 10 years and eight months in prison, Rose said. Select the option or tab named Internet Options (Internet Explorer), Options (Firefox), Preferences (Safari) or Settings (Chrome). Phones: Service/Intake and Administration (310) 605-5670 Visit Website Directions 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. Marcel Dione Melanson, 38, was ordered to pay $517,477 in restitution for the 2011 fire; he paid $100,000 before being taken into custody. Melanson had served with the fire department for 17 years. Get up to speed with our Essential California newsletter, sent six days a week. Several public speakers at the board meeting also questioned Marrones educational background and criticized the lack of female representation in the department even noting that some county fire stations dont even have womens bathrooms. He has been with the department for 36 years, previously serving as acting chief deputy over business operations. 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. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for VINTAGE COMPTON FD SHIELD FIRE DEPT CAIRNS LEATHER HELMET FIREMAN FIREFIGHTER FD at the best online prices at eBay! It appears you are trying to access this site using an outdated browser. In an interview, he vowed to restore the citys certifications and get defibrillators back on fire apparatus. We are able to provide high-quality political journalism to you for free thanks to our advertisers. 1. Compton Fire Department 1 Are you the A huge fire visible across Los Angeles burned material in a commercial yard and parked buses early Friday. 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. Ford Aerostar van. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Desperate mountain residents trapped by snow beg for help; We are coming, sheriff says, 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, Newsom, IRS give Californians until October to file tax returns, This fabled orchid breeder loves to chat just not about Trader Joes orchids, Best coffee city in the world? Have a qualified professional clean and inspect your chimney and vents every year. This website uses cookies to provide you with the best browsing experience. Copyright 2023 This button displays the currently selected search type. The resolution of the case came as a surprise to Fire Department employees who appeared at a downtown courthouse prepared to testify against someone they said was like family. Updated: 2:07 PM CST March 3, 2023. Its something thats going to be cleaned up very soon, Gomez said.
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