Editorial: Philly Owes Fallen Firefighter a Thorough Probe

In a photograph that accompanied stories about Firefighter Joyce Craig's death, her kind eyes suggest she was there for anyone in need. But recent reports indicate that the Fire Department wasn't quite prepared to be there for her.

That may be why a deputy fire commissioner allegedly asked a department investigator to alter a tough preliminary report on the West Oak Lane basement fire that led to Craig's death. Fortunately, the investigator, Deputy Chief Richard Davison, wrote that he "respectfully refused" to change his findings. No matter how painful, a frank analysis of the facts surrounding Craig's death could help prevent others.

A firefighter for 11 years, Craig was part of a three-person team that entered the house on Dec. 9. When a basement door was opened, the fire flared up. One firefighter's breathing mask collapsed, and, breathless, she left to fix it. Soon, another staggered from the house. Somehow Craig activated a Mayday alarm to alert fellow firefighters, but there is confusion about who knew she needed help and when. Her body was found accidentally 18 minutes after she activated the alarm.

By all accounts, this was a chaotic scene from the start. A ladder company got lost on its way to the fire, and the resulting delay meant not enough firefighters were there to property ventilate the house, leading to rapidly worsening conditions. "We seem to have lost focus [on the fact] that coordinated operations of ventilation and extinguishment are the key components to a successful fire ground operation," the report says.

The report notes that the department's battalion chiefs should be trained better on how to respond to Mayday calls and that firefighters should be trained continually in basic skills. That's supposed to be the case, but too often, training ends once firefighters leave the academy.

Fire Commissioner Derrick Sawyer has said he will make immediate changes, some of which were already underway, based on the report. He should also see to it that none of his subordinates are pushing to suppress difficult truths. According to a copy of an internal document obtained by The Inquirer's Aubrey Whelan, a superior asked Davison to change his report because "some statements in the critique could hurt the city." What would hurt the city is a failure to learn from Craig's death.

It's also disconcerting that the investigator was not given access to commanders' radio transmissions during the fire, a flaw noted by fire union president Joe Schulle. The department should supply all the information needed to conduct a proper probe.

No single person should bear the blame for the city's first death of a female firefighter in the line of duty. But no one should downplay or conceal operational deficiencies either. Mayor Nutter should make sure this death receives the full airing and resulting reforms that the city and Craig deserve.

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