The City of Phoenix has been ordered to pay a $95,000 fine for workplace violations related to the line-of-duty death of a firefighter.
Phoenix firefighter Brad Harper, 23, was trapped between the engine and a door of his rescue ambulance shortly after 5:30 p.m. on May 18 as crews moved the fire truck.
Harper was extricated from between the two vehicles with the Jaws of Life because paramedics feared he would die if they moved either of the trucks. He died the following morning.
In July, police said they would not file charges against the fire engine driver. However, he was supposed to have been directed by another firefighter, The Arizona Republic reported
The fines were levied because the department committed a willful violation when a spotter was not used and because the department failed to provide a workplace that was free from recognized hazards, the newspaper reported.
The city can appeal the fine.
A separate investigative report released Tuesday morning provides recommendations for the fire department, including installing “backing-assistance devices,” such as cameras, automatic brakes and sonar warnings on all fire department vehicles.
