Ambulance Patient Is Angry Over Fighting Fire Crew

WASHINGTON, DC (WUSA) -- DC Fire & EMS Chief Dennis Rubin confirms our report Monday that investigations are underway into an argument between two firefighters during an emergency call. In a statement released Tuesday, Chief Rubin confirmed, "Allegations have been made that one member struck the other".

Sources familiar with the investigation confirm the driver of Engine 30 claims his captain struck him while they were on the scene of a medical call on 56th Place, Northeast. It is unclear what the two were fighting about. Both veteran firefighters are now on administrative leave while police and department internal affairs investigators sort out the details.

Engine 30 had responded with an ambulance crew to assist Dianne Neal who was having trouble breathing just after noon on Monday. Neal says she was already in the ambulance when the firefighters arrived. Neal says she did not see any fighting but knew something was up when the ambulance crew member told the firefighters from the engine company to stay away from her patient.

Neal tells 9NEWS NOW she is angry the crew members put their petty squabbles ahead of dealing with an emergency.

After the call the engine company was unavailable for emergency runs through early evening while the crew was interviewed by investigators at Engine 30's firehouse on 49th Street, Northeast.

An ambulance was called for the injured fire engine driver, but he was not taken to the hospital.