STATter 911: FF who made crane rescue in Atlanta leaves department. Cites cutbacks.

Friday, August 29, 2008

FF who made crane rescue in Atlanta leaves department. Cites cutbacks.

From WXIA-TV:

Firefighter Matt Mosley is leaving the Atlanta Fire Department to become a firefighter in north suburban Johns Creek.

Mosley became famous over nine years ago when he rescued stranded crane operator Iver Sims from the middle of the Cotton Mill inferno. Mosley's daring, dangling rescue was national news and made him into an overnight sensation.

In the years since, he has continued to work as an Atlanta firefighter, being shifted because his old squad was decommissioned in the recent cuts by Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin.

Mosley says he heard about the new fire department coming on line in Johns Creek in north Fulton County this fall and he pursued the opportunity. He has been offered a position as a lieutenant within the department. Mosley says he's excited to be in a leadership position and that he looks forward to being able to share his knowledge with his fellow firefighters.

Mosley cites the recent cutbacks and the closure of historic Fire Station 7 as part of his reason to leave Atlanta. He said working for the city was a rollercoaster. "I'm getting older and roller coasters make me nauseous. I want to get off and be in a place that's more like a carousel for a while."

Mosley is married with two young daughters.

# posted by Dave Statter @ 10:39 PM

Comments:

This guy is one in a million, and Atlanta is the worse for losing him. Shirley Jackson has her spectactles focused up the wrong part of her anatomy for closing the special group, as well as several small stations. I bet she doesn't allow the closing of the station closest to HER house. Congratulations, Johns Creek---you have won a treasure.

# posted by

Maggie : August 30, 2008 8:13 AM

I wish him the best of luck and the city of atlanta is losing a great firefighter.

# posted by

Anonymous : August 31, 2008 4:58 AM

He is only one of about 25 that will be leaving in the next 2 weeks. The Mayor has destroyed the Dept., along with the moral. Good Luck Matt, you will be missed.

# posted by

Anonymous : September 3, 2008 9:10 PM