Investigators turned their attention to Melanson, who was on duty when the fire broke out and said to be the only employee with access to the radios. Please enable Essential Cookies first so that we can save your preferences! Look for a box or option labeled Home Page (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari) or On Startup (Chrome). Officials say the investigation is continuing. 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. I have a vision for the fire department thats going to be more inclusive, but we really need to start with that foundational budget. Monday to Friday (excluding statutory holidays) If requesting records from the City of Port Coquitlam's Fire Hall, please see MVA & Fire Incident Reports. Renee Rose said. Expand search. Cardiac arrests are among the most time-sensitive medical emergencies. He was featured on the BET reality series First In.. 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. The defendant allegedly set the fire to conceal the theft of the radio equipment. July 7, 2015 6:29 PM PT. 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. Ex-Compton firefighter pleads not guilty to arson, Battalion chief cost department more than $200,000, Saatva Mattress Review: Our Pick for the Best Overall Bed of 2023, We Found 12 Cute Planters and Flower Pots That Cost Less Than $25, Here's Where to Watch and Stream Marvel's 'Ant Man and the Wasp: Quantumania' Online. Melanson must pay restitution, but the amount is still being determined, the prosecutor added. LITTLE COMPTON, R.I. (WPRI) When Steven Velozo died on Oct. 2, little about his death was made public. 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 heavily tattooed Compton Fire Department deputy chief was the star of his own reality series on BET called "First In . The investigation of Melanson started after a fire spread across a racquetball court inside Compton Fire Station No. Copyright 2023 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. Compton Fire Department 1 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 . interacts online and researches product purchases Vintage Fireman Fire Department Helmet Badge Shield RIDGEFIELD FD Cairns & Bro . Smith, 65, served as Comptons fire chief for four years, leaving the office in 2007, he said. . It's the most comprehensive and trusted online destination for fire service professionals worldwide. Theres much more work that needs to be done.. He will return to serve as interim chief, taking over for Fire Chief Jon Thompson, who was put on administrative leave. All rights reserved. Melanson was fired from the department before being arrested in May 2013. The cause of the fire remained under investigation, a Compton Fire Department battalion chief told City News. Inside were about 200 radios valued at more than $1 million. He is scheduled to be arraigned Friday at 8:30 a.m. at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center. First published on May 16, 2013 / 8:56 PM. Are you a Firefighter at Compton Fire Department 1 or a member of the Compton community? After the damaged radios were accounted for and it was noticed that some were missing, an investigation was opened, Deputy Dist. The 2018 Fire Rescue Community Report outlines the department's mission, reports out on 2018 stats, and highlights the role of each division. winter fires! Former Fire Chief Rico. This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. 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. 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. May 16, 2013 / 8:56 PM 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. This website uses Google Analyticsto collect anonymous information such as the number of visitors to the site, and the most popular pages. 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. 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. July 7, 2015 / 10:50 PM You must enable JavaScript in your browser to view and post comments. Fire officials are still struggling to restore emergency medical technician licenses that lapsed for 17 of the citys 74 firefighters, including Thompson. Firefighters battle a fire at a commercial yard in Compton, Calif., on Friday, Feb. 26, 2021. 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. Rick Roman emphasizes that paramedics carry advanced equipment that can deliver different voltage on cardiac-arrest patients. www.firehouse.com is using a security service for protection against online attacks. 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. You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times. NEIGHBORHOODS: Read more news from Compton. COMPTON (CBSLA.com) Compton Fire Department Chief Jon Thompson has been placed on leave pending an investigation into compliance with key lifesaving devices. Keep anything that can burn at . (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 . 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. 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. Fire Chief? 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 Marrone has been serving as interim chief of the department since July 2022. Published: September 2020. Through a repeat buyer, investigators discovered that Melanson had been selling other Compton-owned radio equipment since 2008, Rose added. Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Are you a Firefighter at Stay safe this holiday season Port Moody! This may be called Tools or use an icon like the cog. So that you can continue to enjoy HEYSOCAL's in-depth reporting, we ask that you please turn off your ad blocker and come on in, free of charge. When that plan was scrapped, the city hoped to recoup some of its investment by selling the radios. I am glad that we are taking the first step.. All rights reserved. All Rights Reserved. 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Investigators from the Long Beach and Montebello fire departments, including the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, determined the fire was caused by arson. The 2018 Fire Rescue Community Report outlines the department's mission, reports out on 2018 stats, and highlights the role of each division. The Compton Fire Chief requested the LASDs Internal Criminal Investigations Bureau to assist in looking into the case on January 4, 2012. Marcel Melanson, 38, was. Fire Chief Darcey O'Riordan . 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. We need to fix it, he said. 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. Your request has been confirmed! Please enter valid email address to continue. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. / KCAL News. 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 . Through the combined efforts of Compton Fire Department and Compton Unified School District (ROP), the first Compton Fire Academy applied for and received If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. 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. Thompson will continue to be paid while on leave, he said. Melanson had served with the fire department for 17 years. Copyright 2023 FireRescue1. Administration Office 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. By clicking I Accept or using our site, you are consenting to the use of cookies unless you disable them. 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 a result, parts of the site may not function properly for you. Keep portable generators outside, away from windows, and as far away as possible from your house. 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. Select the option or tab named Internet Options (Internet Explorer), Options (Firefox), Preferences (Safari) or Settings (Chrome). Police didn't respond to requests for information at the time. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Chief Compton was the Fire Chief in Mesa, Arizona, for 5 years and Assistant Fire Chief in Phoenix where he served for 27 years. 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? 1. We will fix everything thats broke. Smith said. He had faced up to 10 years and eight months in prison, Rose said. Compton Fire Department Chief Jon Thompson has been . 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 . 2.5 (11-30-2016) Bryan Batiste, Interim Fire Chief, Compton Fire Department: Emergency Ambulance Transportation. Home fires occur more in winter than in any other season. Melanson is expected to be sentenced May 22. You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times. 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. Hearst Television participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Updated: 2:07 PM CST March 3, 2023. 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. Compton Junction FD was assisted by Nevada Fire Department, Hume Fire Department, and Deerfield Fire Department. For breaking news in Southern California, follow @AliciaDotBanks. Find out more or adjust your settings. #1 Fire Hall, 1725 Broadway Street Port Coquitlam, BC V3C 2M9. Welsh is originally from Swisher, Iowa. 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. and suppliers. 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,. 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 flames burned through the roof of the building, which was heavily damaged. Marcel Melanson, 38, was accused of stealing valuable city-owned radio equipment, then setting a fire to cover up the theft. Authorities conducted a joint investigation with arson investigators from the Long Beach Fire Department and Montebello Fire Department. and suppliers. The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. Enter https://www.firerescue1.com/ and click OK. 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. He pleaded no contest in April to charges of felony arson of property and embezzlement by a public official. According to authorities, a fire broke out at Compton's Fire Station No. "We have identified where the breakdown was in terms of the training and the continuing [education] and so the county and Department of Public Health is working with us," he said, adding, "Since we've taken them off, there hasn't been any type of calls where we would have used them within the last week or so.". . The allegations shook the Compton Fire Department, where Melanson had been well-liked. FireRescue1 is revolutionizing the way the fire service community 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. Fire Department Title: Fire Chief Phone: 417-732-3801 Return to Staff Directory. 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. 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 . All rights reserved. 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 Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, Montebello Fire Department and Long Beach Fire Cerie Smith, PT, DPT, CSCS, Director of Rehabilitation and Wellness, Phoenix (AZ) Fire Department; Editor: Mike Wieder, Associate Director, FPP, Executive Director, IFSTA. Marrone has been serving as interim chief of the department since July 2022. Board members said they had confidence in Marrones ability to improve the makeup of the agency. VINTAGE ASST BATT CHIEF HORSHAM SHIELD PA FIRE DEPT . Richland: City of Olney Fire Department- $25,526.32 . or a member of the Compton community? 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.. Thanks! Patrick Willis, an arson investigator with the Long Beach Fire Department, told the court Melanson sought to make the fire look accidental. "It's like a family business terminating your brother or something.". 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. 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. It's the most comprehensive and trusted online destination for fire service professionals worldwide. Lexipol. You should know the risks, make a plan, and learn how you can protect yourself. Chief Anthony C. Marrone. Officials say that it may take several weeks to train the firefighters or verify their credentials. 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. Authorities charge that the terminated deputy chief set a fire at department headquarters as part of his theft of thousands of dollars in radios. 2009-2022 USA Fire Departments usfiredept.com All Rights reserved. 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. 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. He is expected to be sentenced to three years and four months in state prison, a prosecutor said. Plug only 1 heat-producing appliance (such as a space heater) into an electrical outlet at a time. As a result of the plea, authorities dropped the more severe charge of arson of a structure and a second embezzlement count. The department provides fire and rescue services for the city of Compton from four fire stations (see the site list for details). 2 talking about this. Supervisor Holly Mitchell told Marrone the agency has had a historic under-representation of people of color and women.. You can help us to keep this page up to date: We do have paramedic services. Help protect your furry family. The building was slightly damaged, and many of the 200-plus radios were destroyed. You can find more information about our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, Enter your phone number to be notified if you win. We owe it to the citizens to report out on what is happening inside our Fire Department. she said. Atty. This website uses cookies to provide you with the best browsing experience. 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 .