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. In Case of an Emergency, call 9-1-1. or a member of the Compton community? Rick Roman emphasizes that paramedics carry advanced equipment that can deliver different voltage on cardiac-arrest patients. He is scheduled to be arraigned Friday at 8:30 a.m. at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center. All rights reserved. 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. He was featured on the BET reality series First In.. The cause of the fire remained under investigation, a Compton Fire Department battalion chief told City News. For the latest on this developing story follow @palewire. Randolph: Ellis Grove Volunteer Fire Department- $25,800. A huge fire visible across Los Angeles burned material in a commercial yard and parked buses early Friday. Copyright 2023 FireRescue1. Copyright 2014 Los Angeles Times All rights reserved. Thompson did not returns calls seeking comment. FIREFIGHTING TRAINING AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES BUREAU DISPATCH He had faced up to 10 years and eight months in prison, Rose said. (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 . If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. Melanson's case has been submitted to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's office. 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 . 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. Through a repeat buyer, investigators discovered that Melanson had been selling other Compton-owned radio equipment since 2008, Rose added. Thompson was placed on administrative leave at Tuesday night's City Council meeting. 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. 649 were here. Help protect your furry family. 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. The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. 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. 3. . All rights reserved. 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. FireRescue1 is revolutionizing the way the fire service community 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 Sheriffs Department. Through the combined efforts of Compton Fire Department and Compton Unified School District (ROP), the first Compton Fire Academy applied for and received 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.. We recommend updating your browser to its most recent version at your earliest convenience. interacts online and researches product purchases Monday to Friday (excluding statutory holidays) If requesting records from the City of Port Coquitlam's Fire Hall, please see MVA & Fire Incident Reports. 2015 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The heavily tattooed Compton Fire Department deputy chief was the star of his own reality series on BET called "First In . Business Hours. Opening the process will ensure that diverse applicants from across the nation have the opportunity to apply, according to the letter. Fire Chief Darcey O'Riordan . 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. It's the most comprehensive and trusted online destination for fire service professionals worldwide. All rights reserved. Lexipol. The flames burned through the roof of the building, which was heavily damaged. Alicia Banks is a former Metpro trainee at the Los Angeles Times. 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. Phones: Service/Intake and Administration (310) 605-5670 Visit Website Directions Get up to speed with our Essential California newsletter, sent six days a week. Location and Mailing Address. 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. I have a vision for the fire department thats going to be more inclusive, but we really need to start with that foundational budget. 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. As a result of the plea, authorities dropped the more severe charge of arson of a structure and a second embezzlement count. The inferno erupted in Compton before. It appears you are trying to access this site using an outdated browser. Fire Capt. 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Former Compton Fire Department battalion chief Marcel Melanson, left, appears at his sentencing with his lawyer, George Bird. 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. Keep anything that can burn at . We will get in touch with you shortly. . Thanks! Keep portable generators outside, away from windows, and as far away as possible from your house. 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When that plan was scrapped, the city hoped to recoup some of its investment by selling the radios. Some law enforcement agencies have also begun to carry the devices. The Compton Fire Chief requested the LASDs Internal Criminal Investigations Bureau to assist in looking into the case on January 4, 2012. 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 equipment. 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. 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. Look for a box or option labeled Home Page (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari) or On Startup (Chrome). This process is automatic. This button displays the currently selected search type. The countys decision came after The Times disclosed in March that nearly one in four Compton firefighters lacked a permit to perform emergency medical care, a key credential required by other local fire agencies. Are you the who was a member of the Compton Fire Department for over 15 years, is . After the damaged radios were accounted for and it was noticed that some were missing, an investigation was opened, Deputy Dist. Prior to being placed on leave, Thompson maintained that losing defibrillators from most fire vehicles did not put the public at greater risk. We do have paramedic services. 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. 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. Board members said they had confidence in Marrones ability to improve the makeup of the agency. Deputy Fire Chief Bryan Batiste says the removal of four defibrillators from their trucks and ambulances shouldn't worry residents. In November 1989, Fire Fighter Mackey transferred . He was terminated earlier this year. Subscribe to our newsletter for local news, giveaways, and updates. An obituary later said . Are you a Firefighter at When expanded it provides a list of search options that will switch the search inputs . 1. 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. Select the option or tab named Internet Options (Internet Explorer), Options (Firefox), Preferences (Safari) or Settings (Chrome). Melanson is expected to be sentenced May 22. Police didn't respond to requests for information at the time. . LOS ANGELES . The investigation of Melanson started after a fire spread across a racquetball court inside Compton Fire Station No. Compton-born Oscar winners Travon Free and Samir Hernandez were in attendance and were recognized for their film "Two Distant Strangers". Do Not Sell My Personal Information. ONLINE PAYMENTS Republic Water Account Access. Marrone has been serving as interim chief of the department since July 2022. Compton Fire Department Chief Jon Thompson has been . He was later assigned to Fire Station 105 in Compton as his second probationary station. 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. We will fix everything thats broke. Smith said. I heard you use the word equality, and I want to suggest the focus should be equity, given the historic under-representation, she said. firefighter pleads guilty to 3 counts of manslaughter, is sentenced to probation, 3 demoted FDNY chiefs sue to get positions back after dramatic shakeup, Former Compton Fire Department deputy chief arrested for arson, Open the tools menu in your browser. Are you the Compton Fire Department 1 Fire Chief? First published on May 16, 2013 / 8:56 PM. He is expected to be sentenced to three years and four months in state prison, a prosecutor said. 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,. 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. 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. Melanson set up the fire to look accidental, said Patrick Wills, an arson investigator with the Long Beach Fire Department. Olmsted Fire Department- $26,000. Officials say the investigation is continuing. 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. Melanson must pay restitution, but the amount is still being determined, the prosecutor added. 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. interacts online and researches product purchases Copyright 2023 FireRescue1. Compton Fire Department 1 This may be called Tools or use an icon like the cog. A tech lover who constantly finds . You can help us to keep this page up to date:Help update this Fire Department's Information. Home fires occur more in winter than in any other season. As you stay cozy and warm this winter season, be fire smart! CBS LA. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, Montebello Fire Department and Long Beach Fire 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. There are 5 Fire Departments in Compton, California, serving a population of 97,847 people in an area of 11 square miles.There is 1 Fire Department per 19,569 people, and 1 Fire Department per 2 square miles.. This website uses cookies to provide you with the best browsing experience. 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. Follow these tips to be fire safe this holiday season! and suppliers. Los Angeles Times. Douglas Compton, Ed.D. 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. By clicking I Accept or using our site, you are consenting to the use of cookies unless you disable them. Expand search. He has been with the department for 36 years, previously serving as acting chief deputy over business operations. Authorities charge that the terminated deputy chief set a fire at department headquarters as part of his theft of thousands of dollars in radios. Melanson was an employee of the Compton Fire Department for over 15 years. Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet from any heat source like fireplaces, wood stoves, radiators or space heaters. The service requires full JavaScript support in order to view this website. Have a qualified professional clean and inspect your chimney and vents every year. Please enable cookies on your browser and try again. According to authorities, a fire broke out at Compton's Fire Station No. www.firehouse.com is using a security service for protection against online attacks. The department provides fire and rescue services for the city of Compton from four fire stations (see the site list for details). Keeping this cookie enabled helps us to improve our website. Cerie Smith, PT, DPT, CSCS, Director of Rehabilitation and Wellness, Phoenix (AZ) Fire Department; Editor: Mike Wieder, Associate Director, FPP, Executive Director, IFSTA. The 2018 Fire Rescue Community Report outlines the department's mission, reports out on 2018 stats, and highlights the role of each division. 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 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. The departments paramedics, a small subset of the agencys employees, continue to carry defibrillators and are dispatched with lower-skilled firefighters on most 911 calls.