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. 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. Authorities charge that the terminated deputy chief set a fire at department headquarters as part of his theft of thousands of dollars in radios. 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. Los Angeles, Calmes: Heres what we should do about Marjorie Taylor Greene, David Lindley, guitarist best known for work with Jackson Browne, dies at 78, 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, K-Pop isnt the only hot ticket in Koreatown how trot is captivating immigrants, Los Angeles is suddenly awash in waterfalls. 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. May 16, 2013 / 8:56 PM 649 were here. He must also register as an arson offender for life, the Los Angeles County district attorneys office said. A tech lover who constantly finds . You can help us to keep this page up to date:Help update this Fire Department's Information. This may be called Tools or use an icon like the cog. He is expected to be sentenced to three years and four months in state prison, a prosecutor said. 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. Marrone has been serving as interim chief of the department since July 2022. ONLINE PAYMENTS Melanson was fired from the department before being arrested in May 2013. All Rights Reserved. He was featured on the BET reality series First In.. www.firehouse.com is using a security service for protection against online attacks. Compton Fire Department 1 All rights reserved. Officials say that it may take several weeks to train the firefighters or verify their credentials. 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. COLONA, Ill. Several area fire departments will be purchasing new gear after benefitting from grants issued by the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal . 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. All rights reserved. After the damaged radios were accounted for and it was noticed that some were missing, an investigation was opened, Deputy Dist. He will return to serve as interim chief, taking over for Fire Chief Jon Thompson, who was put on administrative leave. 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Through the combined efforts of Compton Fire Department and Compton Unified School District (ROP), the first Compton Fire Academy applied for and received Village of Evansville Fire Department- $25,837.62. 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. Theres much more work that needs to be done.. Address: 201 S. Acacia Ave. Compton CA 90220 Website: http://www.comptoncity.org Hours: Monday through Thursday, 7:00am to 6:00pm. Fire Chief Jon Thompson said he was happy that Melanson's plea saved his department from getting involved in a trial. As a result of the plea, authorities dropped the more severe charge of arson of a structure and a second embezzlement count. Through a repeat buyer, investigators discovered that Melanson had been selling other Compton-owned radio equipment since 2008, Rose added. Glatfelter Award Recognizes Chief Dennis Compton's Extraordinary Marcel Melanson, 38, was accused of stealing valuable city-owned radio equipment, then setting a fire to cover up the theft. 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. Plug only 1 heat-producing appliance (such as a space heater) into an electrical outlet at a time. Compton, CA Deputy Chief Marcel Melanson, who starred in - Statter911 You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times. 2015 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Please enable Essential Cookies first so that we can save your preferences! Chief of Department Fire Chief: Richard G. Petrin RPetrin@tlcri.com Public Safety Complex 60 Simmons Road Little Compton,RI 02837 Website: littlecomptonfirerescue.com Telephone: (401) 635-2323 Fax: (401) 635-2013 IN CASE OF EMERGENCY DIAL 9-1-1 Small fire departments get grants for equipment purchases Melanson is expected to be sentenced May 22. Patrick Willis, an arson investigator with the Long Beach Fire Department, told the court Melanson sought to make the fire look accidental. As you stay cozy and warm this winter season, be fire smart! Former Compton fire battalion chief sentenced for theft, arson According to authorities, a fire broke out at Compton's Fire Station No. The defendant allegedly set the fire to conceal the theft of the radio equipment. Marrone has been serving as interim chief of the department since July 2022. Full story: Former Compton Fire Department deputy chief arrested for arson. 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. Alicia Banks is a former Metpro trainee at the Los Angeles Times. Inside were about 200 radios valued at more than $1 million. You've been successfully signed up for the Fire Chief. Are you a Firefighter at Compton Fire Department 1 or a member of the Compton community? The service requires full cookie support in order to view this website. Copyright 2023 Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet from any heat source like fireplaces, wood stoves, radiators or space heaters. 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 . This website uses cookies to provide you with the best browsing experience. Shop high quality Compton Fire Department shirts from Compton Fire Apparel.. July 15 is National Pet Fire Safety Day! We will get in touch with you shortly. 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. 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. You can help us to keep this page up to date: FIREFIGHTING TRAINING AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES BUREAU DISPATCH 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. 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. LITTLE COMPTON, R.I. (WPRI) When Steven Velozo died on Oct. 2, little about his death was made public. He pleaded no contest in April to charges of felony arson of property and embezzlement by a public official. A huge fire visible across Los Angeles burned material in a commercial yard and parked buses early Friday. 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. Compton Fire Department Chief Jon Thompson has been . Copyright 2023 Copyright 2023 FireRescue1. When expanded it provides a list of search options that will switch the search inputs . Former Fire Chief Rico Smith, right, left the force in 2007. 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. Authorities conducted a joint investigation with arson investigators from the Long Beach Fire Department and Montebello Fire Department. Fire Capt. 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. who was a member of the Compton Fire Department for over 15 years, is . Port Moody Fire Rescue | Port Moody BC - Facebook 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. 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. Your subscription has been confirmed. Vintage Fireman Fire Department Helmet Badge Shield RIDGEFIELD FD Cairns & Bro . Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. 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. In Case of an Emergency, call 9-1-1. $7.50 + $10.11 shipping. He was later assigned to Fire Station 105 in Compton as his second probationary station. The flames burned through the roof of the building, which was heavily damaged. . COMPTON (CBSLA.com) Compton Fire Department Chief Jon Thompson has been placed on leave pending an investigation into compliance with key lifesaving devices. Welcome to Little Compton, RI Are you the Compton Fire Department 1 Fire Chief? An obituary later said . Los Angeles Times. He also conceded the department needs to be streamlined, with a reduction in the overall number of employees. Compton Junction FD was assisted by Nevada Fire Department, Hume Fire Department, and Deerfield Fire Department. The investigation of Melanson started after a fire spread across a racquetball court inside Compton Fire Station No. This may be called Tools or use an icon like the cog. Marcel Melanson, 38, was. 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. Ex-Compton firefighter pleads not guilty to arson - KCRA interacts online and researches product purchases Lexipol. 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. He had faced up to 10 years and eight months in prison, Rose said. The department provides fire and rescue services for the city of Compton from four fire stations (see the site list for details). Have a qualified professional clean and inspect your chimney and vents every year. I have a vision for the fire department thats going to be more inclusive, but we really need to start with that foundational budget. Expand search. Look for a box or option labeled Home Page (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari) or On Startup (Chrome). Description: 91. Marcel Melanson - Fast Company For the latest on this developing story follow @palewire. 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. Massive fire visible across Los Angeles burns commercial Compton yard NEIGHBORHOODS: Read more news from Compton. Fire Department Title: Fire Chief Phone: 417-732-3801 Return to Staff Directory. The Compton Fire Department was established in 1901, with a small force of volunteer firefighters. Cardiac arrests are among the most time-sensitive medical emergencies. He is scheduled to be arraigned Friday at 8:30 a.m. at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center. Ford acted soon after The Times reported late Monday that county regulators forced Compton fire officials to remove the devices last week after the city was unable to produce documentation showing that firefighters had been properly trained to use the equipment. 1 in December 2011 in an indoor racquetball court where the radio equipment was stored. Lexipol. Location and Mailing Address. Marcel Melanson, 38, was accused of stealing valuable city-owned radio equipment, then setting a fire to cover up the theft. This button displays the currently selected search type. By clicking I Accept or using our site, you are consenting to the use of cookies unless you disable them. July 7, 2015 6:29 PM PT. Richland: City of Olney Fire Department- $25,526.32 . 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. 2 talking about this. 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. 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. 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 . 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. It's the most comprehensive and trusted online destination for fire service professionals worldwide. Look for a box or option labeled Home Page (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari) or On Startup (Chrome). 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. Illinois State Fire Marshal Awards $1.5 Million In Grants To Illinois The cause of the fire remained under investigation, a Compton Fire Department battalion chief told City News. Thompson did not returns calls seeking comment. Phones: Service/Intake and Administration (310) 605-5670 Visit Website Directions I heard you use the word equality, and I want to suggest the focus should be equity, given the historic under-representation, she said. Fire Rescue - City of Port Moody Keep anything that can burn at . Please enable cookies on your browser and try again. PDF Former Compton fire battalion chief sentence for arson embezzlement 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. Former battalion chief admits setting fire in Calif. station - FireRescue1 The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. He has been with the department for 36 years, previously serving as acting chief deputy over business operations. 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 officials are still struggling to restore emergency medical technician licenses that lapsed for 17 of the citys 74 firefighters, including Thompson. #1 Fire Hall, 1725 Broadway Street Port Coquitlam, BC V3C 2M9. Compton fire chief put on administrative leave following Times reports You've been added to our list and will hear from us soon. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Get up to speed with our Essential California newsletter, sent six days a week. Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads, Your Privacy Choices/(Opt-Out of Sale/Targeted Ads). It appears you are trying to access this site using an outdated browser. You will be redirected once the validation is complete. 2.5 (11-30-2016) Bryan Batiste, Interim Fire Chief, Compton Fire Department: Emergency Ambulance Transportation. Massive fire visible across Los Angeles burns commercial Compton yard Enter https://www.firerescue1.com/ and click OK. Please enable JavaScript on your browser and try again. 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. . Select the option or tab named Internet Options (Internet Explorer), Options (Firefox), Preferences (Safari) or Settings (Chrome). Get up to speed with our Essential California newsletter, sent six days a week. "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 2018 Fire Rescue Community Report outlines the department's mission, reports out on 2018 stats, and highlights the role of each division. All rights reserved. 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News and Announcements - Fire Department Fire & Emergency Services - City of Port Coquitlam 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. The building was slightly damaged, and many of the 200-plus radios were destroyed. The inferno erupted in Compton before. / KCAL News. First published on May 16, 2013 / 8:56 PM. Marrone has been serving as interim chief of the department since July 2022. This website uses Google Analyticsto collect anonymous information such as the number of visitors to the site, and the most popular pages. For breaking news in Southern California, follow @AliciaDotBanks. We need to fix it, he said. Fire Chief Darcey O'Riordan . Fire Departments - Compton, CA (Fire Stations & Marshals) Investigation Continues Into Fire at Dominguez High School 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. 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. You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times. 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 . Published: September 2020. CBS LA. CITY CAREERS Browse & Apply for Jobs . winter fires! The sheriff's department continues to provide police services for the city. Copyright 2014 Los Angeles Times Phone & Fax Phone: 310-605-5670 Fax: 310-632-8414. The Compton Fire Chief requested the LASD's Internal Criminal Investigations Bureau to assist in looking into the case on January 4, 2012. Essential Cookies should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Preparing for an emergency is everyone's responsibility.