A 21-year firefighter veteran is facing possible punishment for doing what he did for years - putting out fires.
Witness George Gaston remembered November 21st very well when he looked outside his Northwest home to see the neighboring rowhouse was on fire. On 2nd and Florida, neighbors flagged down a passing fire truck. It was Engine 9 which was on their way to a training drill. Lt. Gerald Burton called the fire in and according to his lawyer, Donna Williams Rucker, his chief told him to take a position backing up other units. Those units hadn't arrived yet.
"What he was faced with was sitting there watching the house burn or responding, and he chose to respond." said Rucker.
Burton's attorney provided ABC 7/NewsChannel8 with a copy of a written notification form saying Burton's accused of violating department policy for not waiting on backup. The D.C. Fire and EMS Department would not comment other than to confirm there is an ongoing investigation. A spokesman said no one has been disciplined, so far.
Rucker said Burton believes he is being threatened with suspension for putting out a fire. "Its very difficult for him to accept the fact he's going to be disciplined for doing his job."
Gaston said, "it doesn't make any sense to have someone come up here where a fire is going on and have someone on stand-by. It makes no sense to me, its crazy."
Burton said there was one other unit on scene, a hazmat truck which could not put water on the fire, which is why he decided to act. He has a week to respond to the recommended suspension or the matter will go to a trial board.
Republished with permission from WJLA-TV
