Authorities have decided not to prosecute three local volunteer firemen, despite a brawl that broke out among firefighters two months ago as a house was burning in Prince George's County.
The fire department filed criminal charges against all three. Now those charges will be dropped.
We've yet to hear from the Kentland volunteers who won't be taken to trial. But there is most definitely dissatisfaction from the firefighters union Tuesday's announcement:
The top prosecutor in Prince George's County won't be taking the three volunteer firefighters to trial. State's Attorney Glenn Ivey made his decision after reviewing the evidence and concluding it was insufficient.
Two career firefighters suffered minor burns while fighting a fire at this home in Landover Hills two months ago after a pushing and shoving match outside the burning house. The fight was captured on home videotape. In the end, the prosecutor determined they had the evidence but not the crime.
The president of the firefighters union which represents the two burn victims says the prosecutor is sending the wrong message to the public.
Even though there are no criminal prosecutions, one volunteer, Lt. Nick Martin, was terminated from his position with the Kentland Volunteers. And Chief Mike Mattison also of Kentland, has been relieved of his command. Both actions taken by county Fire Chief Lawrence Sedgwick.
Copyright 2006, W*USA 9 & Gannett Co., Inc.
Republished with permission of W*USA 9.
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