A Fairfield firefighter has been charged in connection with a fatal August crash.
Fairfield police charged Matthew Schumann, 24, with one count of vehicular manslaughter, a second-degree misdemeanor; and one count of failing to exercise due care when operating a public safety vehicle at a stop signal, a fourth-degree misdemeanor.
The crash happened at the intersection of Michael Lane and Dixie Highway in Fairfield shortly after 2 p.m. on Aug. 2.
In a report released last month, officials said Schumann's fire truck was responding to a car fire when it ran a red light at the intersection and hit a car, killing Rayann Cavin, 73.
The report said that a device designed to turn all intersection lights red as emergency vehicles approach failed to work.
But police said the law requires public safety vehicle operators proceeding past a red signal to operate with due regard for the safety of all persons using the street.
"I talked to people from other area police and fire departments, and this was a wake-up call for a lot of people," Fairfield police Lt. Ken Colburn said. "Everybody is a little more cautious, and I think motorists will be a little more cautious of other vehicles around them out there."
Schumann's first court appearance will be Oct. 4.
Previous Stories:
- August 11, 2006: Report: Malfunction In Signal Contributed To Fatal Fairfield Crash
- August 3, 2006: Woman Dies After Crash With Fire Truck
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