Friday, July 11, 2008
Old video comes back to haunt Kentland
While we try to keep on top of everything Kentland, this story isn't ours. Channel 7 first mentioned it Wednesday night, but Channel 5 has the goods.
It is a video that Kentland officials claim is four or five years old. What you see in the video may not be shocking to firefighters who have been around for a while, but it is likely going to be another public relations nightmare for Kentland VFD and the Prince George's County Fire/EMS Department.
It shows firefighters, including Tony Kelleher, the current Kentland chief, shooting fireworks off inside the firehouse. Fireworks are illegal in Prince George's County. One segment shows fireworks being ignited from a persons back side.
In another segment, a person described as a new member looks like he is on the receiving end of an atomic wedgie. There are allegations of hazing involved with this.
An EMS call comes in while the video is rolling and it appears from what you are able to see that no one is immediately responding to the call.
Kentland VFD made news last year in its long battle with Prince George's County Fire/EMS Department Chief Lawrence Sedgwick over operating an ambulance out of Station 833. At one point during the dispute the Kentland volunteers were essentially limited to responses in their first due area.
In the end, Chief Sedgwick was overruled as Kentland dealt directly with Public Safety Director Vernon Herron. The deal put Ambulance 833 in service, but staffed by career personnel and not Kentland's volunteers.
In February, 2006 another video brought attention to Kentland. It showed one of its volunteers in a physical altercation with a firefighter from another company during a house fire. Allegations made against Kentland firefighters during that blaze are apparently still the basis for civil action against the department and some of its members.
Sources tell STATter 911, the fireworks video, and descriptions of how Kentland has operated from a book by one of its former members, are likely to be used by other firefighters who have filed lawsuits.
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A video that is 5 years old means nothing. Hazing is only hazing if someone did not want it done . Guys give wedgies when the have horseplay . As for the not responding was the video of the entire fire house ? All this is is the big hoopla over nothing . Slap on the wrist for fire works but when the police do nothing to civilians thne nothing should happen to volunteer fire fighters . All this is is another calculated Kentland bash by people who do not like what they do . As per the book the author is a disgruntled former member who causes more trouble by himself than all of Kentland ever did (hazing at 7's). PGFD should worry about properly staffing units and not wasting taxpayer money on empty career fire stations rater than horseplay between firefighetrs in a privately owned fire satation.
# posted by 
: July 11, 2008 6:48 AM
: July 11, 2008 6:48 AM
This confirms everything bad ever said about the clowns at Kentland. These aren't fireMEN, they are nothing but a bunch of juvenile fireBOYS...a frathouse full of yahoos, but without the college education.
Just goes to prove the old rule...never write an e-mail or videotape any activity you wouldn't want to be read or seen during your trial and arraignment.
Ask yourself....Would YOU want one of these Bozos providing emergency medical care for YOUR mother?
When it comes to the ambulance issue, maybe Vernon Herron was right to opt for putting the safety of the community first by putting the important stuff under "Adult" supervision.
Just goes to prove the old rule...never write an e-mail or videotape any activity you wouldn't want to be read or seen during your trial and arraignment.
Ask yourself....Would YOU want one of these Bozos providing emergency medical care for YOUR mother?
When it comes to the ambulance issue, maybe Vernon Herron was right to opt for putting the safety of the community first by putting the important stuff under "Adult" supervision.
# posted by : July 11, 2008 7:35 AM
: July 11, 2008 7:35 AM
When is Chief Sedgwick really going to do something about the volunteer fire department. Arsonist running calls, volunteer's refusing to do what is in best interest of the community(ambulance at Kentland is only one example). The volunteer side of PG Fire is a joke and a disgrace to the community. Most of the volunteer's do not live in the community's they are suppose to be protecting and most of the community's are Afro American they don't care this is just an opportunity that most of them would not have, most of them can't get in on the career side, why else would you volunteer? (When you can make money) Make it all CAREER give the volunteer's first choose of becoming career see how many fell. If the Chief keeps the volunteer's he should put them under the same level of scrutiny the career has to go through(Psyhchological evaluations, background checks etc.) As we saw yearlier this year that background checks are not being done when an arsonist(at 37) running fire calls, and living in the firehouse in the same due area he set a fire. Come on Chief Sedwick and Jack Johnson wake up, who is running this show anyway? OH! THE VOLUNTEERS..........
# posted by : July 11, 2008 8:09 AM
: July 11, 2008 8:09 AM
There lies the problem...Because the firehouses are privately owned and the apparatus these clowns feel they can do what they want at the community's expense. Criminal's (arsonist as the first blogger states) living in the firehouses, these clowns ignoring fire calls because there sticking fireworks up there rear ends... This is ridicioulus, this is just an opportunity for most of them to live free! I agree it is time for this administration to do something NOW!
# posted by : July 11, 2008 10:30 AM
: July 11, 2008 10:30 AM
Oh don't forget one of the clown's in video is now the Chief. He denied being in the video initially, now he saying he has matured siince then. One thing for sure all PG volunteer firefighters have in common...they "LIE". Just like (37) didn't know and did not receive information that a convicted arsonist was riding, and responding to calls.
# posted by : July 11, 2008 10:35 AM
: July 11, 2008 10:35 AM
"A video that is 5 years old means nothing. Hazing is only hazing if someone did not want it done . Guys give wedgies when the have horseplay .......horseplay between firefighetrs in a privately owned fire satation."
How old are you 18? Kentland is a corporation with a charter. They have agreed to perform a service for their commnunity and should do so professionally. In reference to the fireworks event, firefighters should be held to a higher standard. This is due-to-the-fact that we know better.
If you are a firefighter, you are a perfect example of a person who feels the badge makes you who you are. Basically, a free pass to being a toolbag. Why don't you try making the badge mean something and start acting like a real firefighter.
How old are you 18? Kentland is a corporation with a charter. They have agreed to perform a service for their commnunity and should do so professionally. In reference to the fireworks event, firefighters should be held to a higher standard. This is due-to-the-fact that we know better.
If you are a firefighter, you are a perfect example of a person who feels the badge makes you who you are. Basically, a free pass to being a toolbag. Why don't you try making the badge mean something and start acting like a real firefighter.
# posted by : July 11, 2008 10:37 AM
: July 11, 2008 10:37 AM
The voice of 1619 being heard who by the way also deos not live in their community unless Prince Georges now includes Calvert County and the Eastern Shore. The fact is we all have things regret and wish we did not do but please do not make this career (LTC with a couple of drunk driving accidents in county vehicles and at least 1 LT in the 4th battalion with 2 DWI's on the same day on the estern shore). And for the last line their are many other reasons to be in the FD than how much money you make.
# posted by : July 11, 2008 10:55 AM
: July 11, 2008 10:55 AM
OK, Hate to say this, where I worked {DCFD}, We at least used a Heat Shield {Aluminum Foil} before launching bottle rockets from side 3 {C}. Illegal fireworks were handed out by MPD on July 5 who also had a better display in the parking lot than the mall had on the 4th. If you really want to see Lewd behavior, attend 1619s MD Softball Tournament in Sept. there you will see REAL Firefigter at there best.
# posted by : July 11, 2008 12:39 PM
: July 11, 2008 12:39 PM
It's all fun and games behind closed doors. As long as the job gets done when out on the street, who cares? Call it stress relief. I feel sorry for anyone who can't relax and have some fun in some down time. And that comes from a 31 year vet (23 years carrer) firefighter (and no, I'm not in P.G.). Shame on those with the "holier then thou" attitude!
# posted by : July 11, 2008 12:53 PM
: July 11, 2008 12:53 PM
Volunteers are a black eye on the fire service in PG County. The best thing is to just let them die off and keep shooting themselfs in the foot.
# posted by : July 11, 2008 1:34 PM
: July 11, 2008 1:34 PM
Dear Dave, This reminds me of my days of being a Real Fireman {PAID} with the DCFD. When we shot bottle rockets from side 3 {C} we made safety first by providing a safety shield, Aluminum foil around the person. where did we get the illegal fireworks? MPD. they had a better show on july 5th than on the Mall. Loved the strippers in the sitting room at one station,and cant forget about the female Capt caught having sex on duty with a repairman all on the Taxpayers Dime. Kentland Bad boys huh, you got to be kidding. if you want a real show,go to local 1619s md tournament in sept, there youll see how real fireman act ive seen in the past live sex on the dance floor and plenty of public drunkeness, all this and more at a state funded public park, with duh fire chief throwing out the first pitch! yea lets getem all not just kentland and really ruin the public trust
# posted by : July 11, 2008 3:41 PM
: July 11, 2008 3:41 PM
What a bunch of tools. I wonder if Kelliher acts like that when he is working in DC. Probably not. That's ok- they are volunteers and they should be allowed to do anything they want no matter if it is illegal-hell, even if they murdered someone, if they made it back to the firehouse without getting arrested, then they are immune from prosecution.
# posted by : July 11, 2008 4:37 PM
: July 11, 2008 4:37 PM
This has become very enjoyable and funny to read comments. I don't care if you are Volunteer or career, 90 % of the fire service have done some type of interesting activities. For the PG career posting comments on here remember the closet of the union hall is not empty. For the Volunteers on here, times are changing and their are certain people out there trying their best to come up with anything they can to see you dissolve. I have news for everyone, the Volunteers are not going any where anytime soon. (it's called money issues with the county) I think people should start thinking about whether or not they will have jobs soon and not so much what other people are doing.
Just a thought
Just a thought
# posted by : July 11, 2008 5:44 PM
: July 11, 2008 5:44 PM
Maybe Kelliher should pay more attention to his paying job at DCFEMS. Speeding tickets last month, this buffoonery this month. Whats next? Also, lets not make excuses for thier behavior. It's childish and we all know it. I don't care how many medals and awards they recieve. Like it or not, firefighters are supposed to act like adults. Kentland kiddie care needs to close, then all the live ins for free will have to get real jobs and be responsible citizens.
# posted by : July 11, 2008 6:19 PM
: July 11, 2008 6:19 PM
Horseplay? Yeah, right...Looks more like public drunkenness, deviant and lewd behavior, petty assault and disorderly conduct to me.
Let's all remember, this is ON THE FRONT RAMP OR IN THE ENGINE BAY WITH THE DOORS WIDE OPEN AND IN THE FULL VIEW OF THE PUBLIC! What would you think if you were a citizen with two minor children in the car driving by with this "horseplay" going on? How would you explain it to your kids? "That's okay, honey...after all, they're only VOLUNTEERS."
I'll tell you one thing...If these shenanagans happened at the Prince George's County Animal Control Kennel, there would be a bunch of dog catchers looking for a new job tomorrow morning.
Being "volunteer" does NOT absolve you from being responsible or acting professional, much less acting like ADULTS.
If Kelleher was any sort of a REAL leader, he would have the common sense to step down. Period. End of story.
Let's all remember, this is ON THE FRONT RAMP OR IN THE ENGINE BAY WITH THE DOORS WIDE OPEN AND IN THE FULL VIEW OF THE PUBLIC! What would you think if you were a citizen with two minor children in the car driving by with this "horseplay" going on? How would you explain it to your kids? "That's okay, honey...after all, they're only VOLUNTEERS."
I'll tell you one thing...If these shenanagans happened at the Prince George's County Animal Control Kennel, there would be a bunch of dog catchers looking for a new job tomorrow morning.
Being "volunteer" does NOT absolve you from being responsible or acting professional, much less acting like ADULTS.
If Kelleher was any sort of a REAL leader, he would have the common sense to step down. Period. End of story.
# posted by : July 11, 2008 6:31 PM
: July 11, 2008 6:31 PM
Many of the posts here have valid points.
1) Never, ever, ever, photograph or video tape anything if you are going to do something stupid. This goes for both volunteer & career. Both have been "burned" on tape before this.
2) The days of the firehouse being a clubhouse are over. We as volunteers must learn that public perception & support are critical for our survival as organizations.
3) If you think volunteers are the only ones with members who have questionable backgrounds or behave incorrectly you are fooling yourselves.
4) Many of us started out in the fire service (both career & volunteer) and were young & dumb. We thought we knew it all, thought we could never be hurt, that we were super cool. Many us over the years have slowed down alittle bit and have gotten smarter (one way or another).
5) Many of the union sponsored activities also get out of hand with drinking & inappropriate behavior. Where is the outrage about this?
In one of the posts it states that most of the Kentland volunteers do not live in the community they protect, and they may be right. However, I would bet that the majority of career people in PG county do not live in PG county. Why does it matter? The same person stated that the only reason the volunteers volunteer is because they cannot get hired for the big money. Does that mean that the only reason the career staff is there is for the money, if so, that is a sad statement of our profession today.
Once again, it does us no good to throw mud back and fourth. For every mistake or inappropriate action career folks can pin on the volunteers, the volunteers can pin one onto the career folks.
1) Never, ever, ever, photograph or video tape anything if you are going to do something stupid. This goes for both volunteer & career. Both have been "burned" on tape before this.
2) The days of the firehouse being a clubhouse are over. We as volunteers must learn that public perception & support are critical for our survival as organizations.
3) If you think volunteers are the only ones with members who have questionable backgrounds or behave incorrectly you are fooling yourselves.
4) Many of us started out in the fire service (both career & volunteer) and were young & dumb. We thought we knew it all, thought we could never be hurt, that we were super cool. Many us over the years have slowed down alittle bit and have gotten smarter (one way or another).
5) Many of the union sponsored activities also get out of hand with drinking & inappropriate behavior. Where is the outrage about this?
In one of the posts it states that most of the Kentland volunteers do not live in the community they protect, and they may be right. However, I would bet that the majority of career people in PG county do not live in PG county. Why does it matter? The same person stated that the only reason the volunteers volunteer is because they cannot get hired for the big money. Does that mean that the only reason the career staff is there is for the money, if so, that is a sad statement of our profession today.
Once again, it does us no good to throw mud back and fourth. For every mistake or inappropriate action career folks can pin on the volunteers, the volunteers can pin one onto the career folks.
# posted by : July 11, 2008 7:10 PM
: July 11, 2008 7:10 PM
That is bull! When Career mess up they risk losing everything. Homes, job, family etc. Nothing happens to the volunteer's the arsonist only received a letter stating that he was operationally suspended. "You think"? Career there blasted all over the news etc. Volunteer's have it to easy and it's to easy for them to get in the department, because of the so called money problem's. How is that PG County is ranked in the top 10 of the richest counties in the country and there is so many money problems?
# posted by : July 11, 2008 10:22 PM
: July 11, 2008 10:22 PM
Do any of the "union sponsored" activities where alcohol and innapropriate behavior occur take place in a fire station? I don't think so. Nice try to justify the behavior on the tape, but that argument don't wash.
# posted by : July 11, 2008 11:01 PM
: July 11, 2008 11:01 PM
Well now you (the public) know why Kentland can't provide ambulance service to the citizens. At least they have adult supervision by way of the career crew riding the ambulance from Landover Road.
# posted by : July 12, 2008 7:56 AM
: July 12, 2008 7:56 AM
This is the typical Kentland response. Let's see, between this site and TWD, one would think Dave Statter lit the fireworks and taped the incident. Then he exposed the wrong doing by airing the tape. But guess what? He did none of the above, he just did his job. Also, everytime something about Kentland is exposed, another quick defense is to blame 1619 or say that the same crap happens with the paid men. For once, owe up to your mistakes and be men about it. Admit guilt. Pointing the finger other directions only makes you look even more stupid. Also, I hope Fairfax and the other jurisdictions that have their members riding in Kentland take a hard look at the video, just like the district is apparentley doing. I hope the District takes action on Lying Tony Kelliher.
# posted by : July 12, 2008 9:51 AM
: July 12, 2008 9:51 AM
Wasn't Ricky Riley chief of Kentland 100% Vol. Fire Dept. when these events took place? Why hasn't Dave Statter or Fox News contacted Riley now the Ops. Chief at the Clearwater Fire Dept. in Florida for a comment?
# posted by : July 12, 2008 12:49 PM
: July 12, 2008 12:49 PM
The reason examples of career folks messing up are brought up when this stuff is talked about is that it is usually started with the statement, "those volunteers......" The natural reaction is to therefore state, wait a minute, we are the not only ones with problems.
With that being said, there is no excuse for such actions or behavior in todays fire service (or 4 years ago), career or volunteer. When these type of things come up, we should not say "those volunteers....", we should say the behavior of those firefighters are inappropriate, incorrect, etc. It should not be a career or volunteer thing, inappropriate is inappropriate. When we bring titles into the discussion, that is when lines are drawn. Lets make this a fire service issue.
With that being said, there is no excuse for such actions or behavior in todays fire service (or 4 years ago), career or volunteer. When these type of things come up, we should not say "those volunteers....", we should say the behavior of those firefighters are inappropriate, incorrect, etc. It should not be a career or volunteer thing, inappropriate is inappropriate. When we bring titles into the discussion, that is when lines are drawn. Lets make this a fire service issue.
# posted by : July 12, 2008 5:22 PM
: July 12, 2008 5:22 PM
This is a comment posted here (That is bull! When Career mess up they risk losing everything. Homes, job, family etc. Nothing happens to the volunteer's the arsonist only received a letter stating that he was operationally suspended.)
How quick you forget about false alarms being called in so a high ranking offical of the career side of PGFD could sleep (have sex) with another paid personnel's wife. That would be exceptable? How many lives did that endanger when apparatus rolled out the door responding? I really don't think I need to go any further with issues. You all should think hard before speaking or posting comments.
How quick you forget about false alarms being called in so a high ranking offical of the career side of PGFD could sleep (have sex) with another paid personnel's wife. That would be exceptable? How many lives did that endanger when apparatus rolled out the door responding? I really don't think I need to go any further with issues. You all should think hard before speaking or posting comments.
# posted by : July 12, 2008 9:56 PM
: July 12, 2008 9:56 PM
For the last poster, the individual that called in that false alarm was terminated from his job for his actions. I was in the fire service for 30+ years and while we did do some horeseplay in the old days( water battles, taping someone to a backboard, sending a rookie on a mission to find a nonexistent item)it was never anything like what was shown on the tape. the job is tough enough without a bunch of village idiots pulling stunts that hurt people not to mention make the Fire Service as a whole look like some frat boys club.
# posted by : July 12, 2008 11:18 PM
: July 12, 2008 11:18 PM
they are a bunch of hot dogs and will be until they get supervision,
as for doing something about fireworks it wasnt the cops who pushed to outlaw fireworks in P.G. it was the fire department.
as for doing something about fireworks it wasnt the cops who pushed to outlaw fireworks in P.G. it was the fire department.
# posted by : July 13, 2008 11:39 AM
: July 13, 2008 11:39 AM
filmed right after burying one of their members. fireworks were given to them BY THE PGPD. no one was hurt. if you think their is adult supervision now that the ambulance is parked their consider this. of the members riding it (1) one has 2 DUI's on his record and crashed the ambulance (2) one disobeyed direct orders from a station cptian about training and uniforms (3) one driving an amulance blew through a red light and causeD AN ACCIDENT in langley park. (4) another one F****d up truck 14's aerial and cause many problems on the northside. (5) three of them have been suspended for periods of time (6) all have been put on charges (7) 339 (all career) fails to respond more times than any other unit.(like the night the ambulance crashed they slept right through the alerts then woke up after the red phone was rung) (8) ive talked to people who worked their and she said they sleep all day long because THEY have no supervision. how come when coke is found in chairs or a girl is raped right before beach week there is no story on the news? i guess when you're the best and everybody knows it they get jealous. after findley's funeral i talked with some of the "bad boys" while they were filling in for 31 and i can honestly say they were more professional than most career in this county. and yes if my mom was having and ems emergency i would want them to show up. and if her house was on fire i definately would want 33 to show up because i know that just like the rest of us when the bell goes off the jokes stop and it's time to get serious. in the video on fox 5 it shows kentland "not in any rush to respond" when they show the sign board it says MINI-33 and you can see it's broad daylight out, then when the engine pulls out it's dark???? seems like somone doctored the tape, cause with 33 beating everyone in all the time we know the dont get out slow. well keep your heads up 33. - THE NORTHSIDE VOLUNTEERS
# posted by : July 13, 2008 6:37 PM
: July 13, 2008 6:37 PM
WOW!! and your not even a member at 33, and you know everything that goes on there.
# posted by : July 13, 2008 11:01 PM
: July 13, 2008 11:01 PM
Both career and volunteers have their goof balls and those that truly have no place in our profession. We can all site example on both sides, sadly these days there are no shortage of those.
Being volunteer does not excuse us from being "professional". There is no place for this type of behavior in the fire stations today. Even though this tape is 4 years old, it paints a bad picture of all volunteers in general. Whether or not this type of stuff is still going on (I have no idea) at 33, they seem to have a perception problem. In todays world, perception is reality, right or wrong, it's all about perception.
Being volunteer does not excuse us from being "professional". There is no place for this type of behavior in the fire stations today. Even though this tape is 4 years old, it paints a bad picture of all volunteers in general. Whether or not this type of stuff is still going on (I have no idea) at 33, they seem to have a perception problem. In todays world, perception is reality, right or wrong, it's all about perception.
# posted by : July 13, 2008 11:41 PM
: July 13, 2008 11:41 PM
Excuse me, but it is NOT all about "perception". In truth, right or wrong, it is all about "right or wrong".
The act of getting caught doing this type of stupidity is not what matters. Doing something this stupid in the first place is what it is all about.
The act of getting caught doing this type of stupidity is not what matters. Doing something this stupid in the first place is what it is all about.
# posted by : July 14, 2008 7:12 AM
: July 14, 2008 7:12 AM
Public relations & perception is the point. If you notice, I did not agree or make excuses for 33's sad display. I was merely pointing out the fact that today we need to recognize that not only is 33 but to a certain extent the entire fire service is under the microscope. We not only need to be professional, we have to be perceived as professional as well.
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# posted by : July 15, 2008 9:21 PM
: July 15, 2008 9:21 PM Links to this post:
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