September 23, 2004

  • :::  Naughty Fireman Update (Part 2)! :::


    This is the story that just won't die! 


    In late July, I posted about the naughty fireman scandal in Sacramento.  In a nutshell, six on duty firemen attended an event called the "Porn Star Ball" at a local Raddison hotel.  The uniformed firemen were reported to have been posing by the fire engine with provocatively dressed women.  A subsequent investigation revealed that this was not an isolated event.  Apparently, firemen from several stations would regularly take "joy rides" -- cruising local clubs, drinking alcohol and picking up women on duty.  Some of the women allegedly received unauthorized rides on fire trucks.


    Yesterday's Sacramento Bee reports that now one of the local firefighters who assisted the investigation has received threats on the Internet.  The threat was posted this past Sunday on the Sacramento Fire Department's "Pipes and Drums Band" website.  The unofficial website was created to promote a band created by SFD members.  The purpose and objective of the band is to "represent and honor our Fire Department while embracing the tradition and heritage of the fire service."  [Hmmmm, I wonder how the Porn Star Ball fits into that?]


    According to the Bee, the message used foul language in calling the cooperative firefighter a rat and stated "You will get yours!!!"  The post was signed, "Soon to be Ex-Firefighter."  A second unsigned message message warned, "More to Come Your Way!"  The original post was removed from the site Monday afternoon.


    An investigation into the threats is ongoing.  In addition, Fire Chief Julius Cherry, yesterday presented the initial findings of a special task force created to address the problems and change the department culture.  However, despite three months of investigation, Cherry stated, "the majority of the report is not done" and few specifics were given. 


    The Bee reports that last time the department's "code of conduct" and "ethics packet" was updated was 1972.


    Lots of drama being a firefighter these days huh?!


    -- Snowman


    For further reading:


    http://www.sacbee.com/content/news/story/10831523p-11749457c.html
    http://www.sacbee.com/content/news/story/10821336p-11739316c.html