Chism cleared of all charges!

Jury clears firefighter Chism of all charges

Thomas Clouse
The Spokesman-Review

Tags:Carl Oreskovichchild pornographyLiam “Mike” GoldenTodd ChismTrooper Greg BirkelandTrooper Greg RiddellWashington State Patrol

Chism

COLVILLE – Embattled Spokane firefighter Todd Chism won his latest legal battle with the Washington State Patrol on Thursday when a jury cleared him of all charges stemming from a violent 2010 confrontation that injured him and two Washington State Patrol troopers.

A Stevens County jury exonerated the suspended Chism of four felony counts and a misdemeanor resisting arrest, stemming from an early-morning melee outside his Nine Mile Falls home on April 6, 2010.

But the jury not only found him not guilty, they ordered the state to pay for his attorneys’ fees.

“Justice has been served,” said Chism, who was cleared in 2008 in a botched child pornography investigation by the WSP.

Earlier Thursday, Chism told the jurors he had spent the evening with friends before backing his diesel Dodge Ram pickup down his driveway so they could leave. When he pulled off the road, his truck got stuck and ran out of fuel about midnight.

Passersby reported what they thought was a crash. Chism said he returned to the truck a couple hours later, after having a few drinks, and was attempting to start the truck when firefighters arrived. Shortly thereafter, Trooper Greg Riddell arrived and he began questioning Chism, who smelled of alcohol and was unsteady on his feet.

Trooper Greg Birkeland then arrived to relieve Riddell, who was about to go off shift. Birkeland made a comment about Chism’s name being familiar. At that point, the stories completely diverged.

Chism – a lieutenant before his supension – said Birkeland’s comment angered him. He said the troopers began threatening him and then shot him with a Taser. Chism went down and then began to struggle with the troopers.

“I was trying to protect myself. I was trying to get a hand up to my head because I couldn’t breathe,” he said. “I didn’t try to harm anybody.”

The troopers described a rolling battle in which they shocked Chism – a two-time state champion Golden Gloves boxer – at least seven times with a taser and punched him in the head. They also testified Chism grabbed Riddell’s thumb and twisted it until it tore ligaments.

Attorneys showed the jury photos both of Riddell’s surgically repaired thumb, and one taken in the ambulance of Chism with a grossly swollen forehead, his eye was swollen shut, and blood was coming from multiple wounds including his nostrils.

“I was in shock,” Chism said. “I felt the same thing was happening – that I was being falsely accused. And, I was getting angry. I said some things I’m not proud of.”

Troopers made a public showing of a search warrant in 2008 at Chism’s home after they received allegations he possessed child pornography. The investigation revealed – some four months later – that the pornography had been purchased by someone who had stolen Chism’s credit card.

In response, he filed a $12 million lawsuit in federal court against the WSP. That case was dismissed in January, 2010, just months before his encounter with the troopers.

In closing arguments, Deputy Ferry County Prosecutor Mike Golden told the jury that Chism was further upset because he recently learned about his lawsuit being dismissed. Chism caused the melee because he didn’t comply, Golden argued.

“The pictures look like he got beat up,” Golden said. “If you pick a fight with two guys in body armor, you are going to get some scrapes on you.”

But defense attorney Carl Oreskovich – who was prohibited from telling the jury that Birkeland lied when he testified in his own trial for drinking-related charges in 2004 – said his client only wanted to talk until troopers became physical.

“If you feel like you were falsely accused of a crime, got beaten up and you just (defecated) yourself, don’t you think you would have some anger?” he asked the jury. “He reacts to a use of force and tries to defend himself. Do justice. This man has been through enough.”

Fire Press Release

North Battalion Residential Fire

Incident #: 2011031900
Date of Incident: 8/10/2011
Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
On Wednesday August 10, 2011 at 6:23 PM, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 4 Engines, 1 Senior Ladder and 1 Heavy Rescue, under the direction of Battalion Chief Fielder, responded to a Residential Structure Fire at 2233 West Broad in Northwest Spokane. Firefighters arrived quickly to discover smoke showing from the front of the single story single-family residence. After confirming the accountability of the occupants, firefighters entered the structure using pre-connected handlines and quickly located and extinguished the fire. Additional arriving companies simultaneously provided ventilation and extinguishment of extension from the fire's originating area. The fire was completely extinguished and loss controlled in 25 minutes. Companies are still on-scene assisting family members at the time of this release. There were no civilian or firefighter injured resulting from this incident.

Cause:
The fire's cause is under investigation by the SFD's SIU.

Damage:
Structural damage was limited to the area of origin; however damage to contents from smoke is moderate. The occupants are being assisted by extended family due to the fact that the home cannot be inhabited until utilities are restored and critical repairs are completed.

# Firefighters Responding: 19

Dollar Loss: $15000

End Of Release
For more information on this release please call (509) 625-7002

Fire Press Release

Third Alarm+ Apartment Fire

Incident #: 2011031800
Date of Incident: 8/10/2011
Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
On Wednesday August 10, 2011 at 07:41AM, Six companies of Spokane Firefighters (3 Engines, 1 Heavy Rescue and 1 Senior Ladder) under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Haworth and Sabo responded to a Structure Fire at 10 East Pine Ridge Court (Peter Square Apartments). Spokane Firefighters arrived quickly to find heavy smoke and fire showing from the first to third floors of a three-story apartment building with approximately 24 occupied units. Finding fire in multiple units throughout all three floors and the attic space, firefighters commenced swift fire attack techniques and simultaneous room-by-room searches while ladder companies were sent to the roof to vertically ventilate the fire. The first arriving Chief requested a second alarm at 07:49AM which added three engines and a Senior Ladder to the incident. A/C Schaeffer issued a third alarm at 08:03AM adding three additional Engines, two AMR Ambulances with an AMR Supervisor, Fire District 4's Rehab Vehicle and off-duty SFD Command Staff to fill incident management roles. He subsequently added an additional two Engines and the Department's Physician Director to the incident to assist with Firefighter Rehab and medical surveillance efforts. At one point early in the incident (0809AM), the IC ordered an "abandon the building" alert via the radio to all companies due to rapidly changing fire dynamics and collapse concerns. After a personnel were accounted for and tactics were modified, the strategy transitioned to an offensive attack and personnel re-engaged. The well coordinated effort confined the flames to one building and completely extinguished the blaze after multiple hours of intense activity. Thankfully, there were no injuries to any residents, citizens near the fire or firefighters.

Cause:
The Fire is under investigation by the Fire Department's SIU.

Damage:
Though loss from the fire was limited predominately to the north-most building, a total of nine apartment units and some adjacent area received intense damage. An estimated total of 45 persons living in the affected residential apartment units were referred to the American Red Cross for help and potential interim placement assistance.

Other Fire Districts Responding: Fire District 1, Fire District 10, Fire District 4, Fire District 8, Fire District 9

End Of Release
For more information on this release please call (509) 625-7002

Peter Square Apartment Fire

Grand Prize Winner of TreeTop's America's Best Firehouse BBQ Cook-Off

Grand Prize and Winner of the $10,000 Donation: Spokane Fire Station #13’s recipe for Tony’s Puleihu BBQ Sauce

People’s Choice Winner and Recipient of a $1,000 Donation: Yakima County Fire District 6 and its recipe for Gleed’s Favorite Goop

Congrats Tony and Station 13!

If you haven't seen the video, here it is.

MDA Lock up and Facebook address!

Hope all are having an awesome summer!

The annual MDA Lockup is Aug 18^th this year at the Davenport Hotel and, as usual, MDA would love to have our help driving the prisoners from their apprehension back to their parole destinations. Any help they can get for the day is greatly appreciated and plenty of fun. We had several SFD folks volunteer last year and would love to see more out there this year.

Thanks in advance!

Terry

FACEBOOK US!

Fire District 9 Commissioner Race

Hey Bill, I was wondering if you lived in Fire Dist. 9. If so we are trying
to get a commissioner elected against the incumbent! So we would appreciate
your vote, and maybe you could pass the word on to the city folks who live
in our jurisdiction! The guy we are supporting is Thomas McGarry!

Thanks

Matt T.

Fire Press Release Two Fer

Exterior Fire involvment of two detached garages

Incident #: 2011028282 Date of Incident: 7/18/2011 Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief Bill Donahoe

Narrative:
On Monday July 18th 2011 at 17:48, 4 engines, 1 Pumper Ladder, 1 Senior Ladder and 1 Heavy rescue under the direction of Battalion Chief's Donahoe and Brown responded to a reported Garage fire at 2503 E. Rowan. The first Company reported a fire between two detached garages in close proximity to each other. Initial companies made an aggressive attack on the garages and the fire was successfully extinguished within 20 minutes. Overhaul operations continued for approximately one and a half hours. There were no civilian or firefighter injuries resulting from this incident.

Cause:
The cause of the fire is suspicious in nature and is under investigation by the SFD'S Special Investigation Unit.

Damage:
There was significant damage to exterior of one garage and moderate damage to the exterior of the second garage.

# Firefighters Responding: 23

Dollar Loss: $10,000

End Of Release For more information on this release please call (509) 625-7002

Red Lion River Inn

Incident #: 2011028123 Date of Incident: 7/17/2011 Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief Clive Jones

Narrative:
At 18:48 PM on Sunday, July 17, 2011 the Spokane Fire Department responded 27 firefighters on 8 fire apparatus and 2 battalion chief to a reported motel/hotel fire at the Red Lion River Inn 700 N. Division. The first crews on scene reported smoke showing from vents on the roof and at a first floor door of a two-story wood framed multi-unit motel. A search of the first and second floors was conducted with no victims found. Hose lines were stretched to the first floor fire room to attack and extinguish the fire. Crews were sent to the roof for ventilation if needed. The fire was confined to a mechanical room on the first floor, and there was smoke damage to three rooms on the first floor. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters on this fire scene. At this time the cause of the fire is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Departments Special Investigation Unit.

Cause:
Fire is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Departments Special Investigation Unit.

Damage:
Fire damage to mechanical room with smoke damage to three other rooms on the first floor.

# Firefighters Responding: 27

Dollar Loss: $10,000

End Of Release For more information on this release please call (509) 625-7002

Fatality Fire Press Release

North Battalion Fatality Fire

Incident #: 2011027828 Date of Incident: 7/15/2011 Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
On Friday, July 15, 2011 at 1409 Hours (2:09 PST), seven Companies of Spokane Firefighters, four engines, two senior ladders, one heavy rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Brown and Fielder responded to a Civilian Fatality Structure Fire at 4128 East Princeton Avenue in Spokane's Northeast Side. Firefighters arrived quickly to discover heavy fire showing from both sides of the single story, double-wide trailer residence. The initial radio report indicated that the residence was over 50% involved in fire. Additionally, vehicles and other assorted combustibles were identified as exposures due to their close proximity to the quick-moving fire. Firefighters from Engines entered the structure using pre-connected hand lines and mounted a quick, aggressive assault on the fire. Simultaneously, Ladder companies provided ventilation of heat and smoke from overhead and searched the interior for reported persons missing within the confines of the home. During fireground operations, additional Fire and EMS resources were ordered and the alarm was upgraded to a working fire which added supplementary resources to assist in the search and management of the incident. During the initial phase of fire extinguishment, Firefighters searching the residence discovered the remains of an elderly adult in the area of heaviest fire damage. The victim was declared deceased at the scene. Multiple animals still remain unaccounted for. The swift moving flames, which spread throughout the home, was ultimately confined to the structure and extinguished in just 15 minutes. No additional injuries to civilians or firefighters were reported.

Cause:
The cause of this incident remains under active investigation by the Spokane Fire Department's Special Investigation Unit.

Damage:
The victim's name has not been released pending positive ID. Monetary loss from the fire is still being determined. The presence of smoke alarms and possible functional status and warning role has not yet been determined.

# Firefighters Repsonding: 30

End Of Release For more information on this release please call (509) 625-7002

Fire Press Release Two Fer

North Battalion House Fire

Incident #: 2011027604 Date of Incident: 7/14/2011 Issuing Officer: Dave Haworth/Battalion Chief

Narrative:
On Thursday, July 14, at 02:27 AM, the Spokane Fire Department responded 4 Engines, 1 Ladder, 1 Heavy Rescue and 2 Battalion Chiefs to a reported structure fire at 4927 N Cook. SE15, which is located in the Hillyard Neighborhood, arrived within 4 minutes and reported smoke coming from a 1.5 story, wood constructed, single family residence. They talked with the home owner who said he had a fire in his upstairs bathroom and that everyone was out of the house. SE15 advanced a preconnected hose line off of their apparatus and advanced into the house to attack the fire. As additional fire companies arrived they searched the house to ensure everyone was out, removed the smoke, and made sure the fire did not extend from the bathroom. Their efforts were successful as the fire was quickly extinguished with confinement to the bathroom and a small area of the roof. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters. There were no working smoke detectors in the home and the owner was very fortunate to have awakened before being overcome by the smoke.

Cause:
The fire was caused by an overheated fan motor in the bathroom ceiling.

Damage:
Structural damage was confined to the upstairs bathroom and part of the roof, with moderate smoke damage throughout the upper area of the house.

# Firefighters Repsonding: 22

Dollar Loss: $15,000

End Of Release For more information on this release please call (509) 625-7002

Kitchen Fire

Incident #: 2011025916 Date of Incident: 7/3/2011 Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief Bill Donahoe

Narrative:
On Sunday morning July 3rd 2011 at 02:24AM, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 4 Engines, 1 Senior Ladder and 1 Heavy Rescue under the direction of Battalion Chief Bill Donahoe and Dave Haworth responded to a reported structure fire at 4236 East Hartson. The first company to arrive reported nothing showing from the exterior of a single family dwelling. When the engine company made entry to the home they found the first floor charged with smoke. Companies then advanced an attack lead and extinguished a cooking fire on the kitchen stove. Other companies were assigned to search, ventilate, and check for extension of the fire. All occupants were accounted for and the fire did not extend beyond the stove. There were no injuries to Firefighters although one occupant was transported to Deaconess for smoke inhalation.

Cause:
Cooking Fire

Damage:
Kitchen stove and smoke damage to the first floor of the home.

# Firefighters Repsonding: 20

Dollar Loss: $5000.00

End Of Release For more information on this release please call (509) 625-7002

Changes to the BBQ Contest.

TreeTop sent out an email that said that some entrants complained that people had found a way to cheat by being able to vote more than once each day, so they have started over. Now, you have to register to vote. It takes about 5 seconds to do. If you have the time, please consider registering and then voting for Tony Yuen and Spokane Fire Station 13's video, here. Thanks!

Registration opens for Sept 11 Memorial Stairclimb in Spokane...

Registration opens today and continues until August 20th. Spaces will fill quickly. If you click on the picture above, you will get a larger version of the flyer.

Please visit the event website at www.firehero.org
For additional event questions, please contact:
Jason Keen
208.640.4240
spokane911memorialstairclimb@yahoo.com

WSCFF convention

TreeTop contest continues!

Don't forget you can vote again for Tony Yuen and Fire Station 13's video!

Vote for Tony Yuen's BBQ Sauce!!!

Spokane Firehouse 13 cook Tony Yuen needs your help! Check out the video of Tony and the gang and then vote for it!

Safety first. You may want to tarp your keyboard to prevent drool damage.

Note: The rules required that videos had to be 4 minutes or less.

Fire Press Release Two Fer

Buckeye Command

Incident #: 2011024317 Date of Incident: 6/22/2011 Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief Jones

Narrative:
On 06/22/11 at 13:14 hours, the Spokane Fire Department responded 3 engines, 2 ladders, 1 rescue, and 2 battalion chiefs to a reported structure fire at 2311 W Buckeye. First arriving SE3 reported smoke showing at the roof of a two story single family residence. Firefighters aggressively performed an interior attack on the fire while additional fire crews completed search and rescue, roof ventilation and salvage and overhaul. The fire was located by SE3 in the basement and extinguished. No one was home at the time of the fire. 6 fire companies with 21 firefighters responded to this fire. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters. Damage by fire was confined to the basement and first floor, smoke damage thought out the structure. This fire is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Departments SIU.

Cause:
This fire is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Departments SIU.

Damage:
Fire was cnfined to the basement and first floor . Smoke damage thought out the strusture.

# Firefighters Repsonding: 21

Dollar Loss: $10,000

End Of Release For more information on this release please call (509) 625-7002

Spokane House Hotel Fire

Incident #: 2011024096 Date of Incident: 6/21/2011 Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Narrative:

On Tuesday June 21, 2010 at 5:41 AM, Spokane Ladder 4 and Engine 4 were dispatched to an automatic alarm at 4301 West Sunset. While the initial companies were enroute, Fire Dispatch received additional information from the business that smoke was present on the first floor. Fire dispatch subsequently upgraded the alarm to a full response adding 6 additional companies including 3 Engines, 1 Heavy Rescue and 2-Senior Ladders under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Moline and Haworth. Station 4 companies arrived within 7-minutes and reported a working fire in the first floor of the five-story hotel. Due to the topography of the hill, the first floor of this building is actually below grade. The fire was rapidly growing in a commercial laundry service area and had spread to large electrical utility components which created tactical concerns for the companies entering the fire area. The incident was upgraded by Chief Moline to a "working incident" and multiple companies were assigned to manage assisting the orderly evacuation of civilians and controlling the building's ventilation system. Ladder companies provided quick searches of adjoining areas while engines were utilized to support the building's standpipe system and stretch hose leads to the below-grade fire. It took 34 Firefighters just 20-minutes to locate and knock down the fire and control the incident. Firefighters were able to contain the damage to the primary service area on the1st floor and successfully prevented it from spreading vertically to the second floor or to any of the adjoining horizontal areas. The commercial electrical service was shut down and tagged out by Avista on-scene due to the severe damage and electrocution concerns to workers. No civilians or firefighters were injured as a result of the incident.

Cause:

The cause is under investigation by the SFD's SIU and the Hotel Management is assisted any displaced occupants. The building is not able to occupy this morning, but all efforts are being made to isolate areas in the building which can be used for safe occupation.

Damage:

Firefighters remained on scene for several hours, protecting the building's contents from additional damage during the salvage and overhaul operations. The damage to the first floor laundry service area is significant and does include severe damage to electrical components. The total dollar loss due to the fire was estimated at $25k-45k.

# Firefighters Repsonding: 34

Dollar Loss: $45000

End Of Release For more information on this release please call (509) 625-7002

MDA Summer Camp and Fill the Boot

SFD Brothers and Sisters,

We had a get together with the MDA folks and the Union and even a City Councilperson last week. Fill The Boot is scheduled for Sept. 17^th this year so please put that on your calendars. I have a goal for getting so many off duty L-29 personnel to turn out that we have the lowest need for on duty folks in years. We are the 3^rd highest Fire contributor for MDA in the State and they really appreciate our involvement although I sure wouldn’t mind seeing us climb a couple of spots!

I would also love to see us start getting involved in providing folks for helping the local MDA with their camp over in Rathdrum. They love to have EMTs and Paramedics help out because these kids need someone watching over them but it is the time of their lives and many of them can’t wait for Summer Camp each year.

I also wish to extend many thanks To Brian Turpin as he has been getting involved as well. The Union Officers and Bill Gonzalez are working with the City regarding the permit process. Jana Worthington and I are planning on getting some more info out soon and answering questions about how we can help.

Let’s make this year with MDA the best yet!

Terry Canfield

SE13A (soon)

Memorial Service Procession for Fallen Firefighter

Wenatchee, Washington – June 14, 2011 – Arrangements are underway to coordinate the funeral procession for the memorial services of Battalion Chief Garet Rasmussen of Chelan County Fire District 1.

Memorial services with full honors for Battalion Chief Garet Rasmussen will be held on Saturday, June 18^th at 1pm at the Town Toyota Center, 1300 Walla Walla Avenue in Wenatchee, Washington.

If your agency is interested in sending fire apparatus to this service, please contact:

Firefighter Matt Rise (509) 662-4734 of Station 11, Chelan County Fire District 1

Home remodeling that promotes union work and energy conservation...

Energy Efficiency is a Win, Win, Win!!

If you live in Spokane's South Hill, you have an excellent opportunity
to save on your home energy costs.

Participating homeowners have saved up to 50% on their energy bills.

Save Money, Save energy, Create Jobs!!!

Bulk Neighborhood Pricing + Utility Incentives + Federal Grants & Tax Credits + Low Interest Loans = Cost-Effective Energy Retrofits!!

Four Easy Steps to Energy Efficiency:

· Pre-Audit: You can call (509) 532-1688 to sign up or get more information. You will be asked for information to determine if yourhome is a good candidate for an energy saving retrofit. You can also go online to fill out the information at www.sustainableworks.com.

· Energy Audit: Skilled trade workers will inspect your home todetermine where you can save energy and money. Thanks to federalstimulus and utility support, your audit will cost only $95 (fully refundable if we don’t recommend any improvements) and includes installation of CFL light bulbs, showerheads and faucet aerators to start saving immediately.

· Energy Consultation: An energy consultant will review the findings with you and suggest the most cost-effective steps to reduce your energy usage. You will only select the extent of energy savings activities and costs that you are comfortable with.

· Energy Savings Retrofit: SustainableWorks coordinates everything - contractors, financing, and project management. The SustainableWorks project manager will make a final inspection to be sure you are fully satisfied with the work and the energy savings.

Previous SustainableWorks projects have served Seattle,South Perry District, and Northwest Spokane. For more information, to sign up for an energy audit, or to Volunteer, please call (509) 532-1688 or go on-line at www.sustainableworks.com.

Article on two San Francisco firefighters killed in flashover.

From SF Weekly:

Vincent Perez, Anthony Valerio, S.F. Firefighters Killed in Blaze, to be Honored Friday at Funeral

By Erin Sherbert, Mon., Jun. 6 2011 at 8:00 AM

Categories: Local News

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Tony Valerio

​San Francisco Fire Department will gather on Friday to honor two of their own who were killed while battling a blaze at a Diamond Heights home last week. Lieutenant Vincent Perez, 48, died Thursday after the fire and Anthony "Tony" Valerio, 53, was pronounced dead on Saturday morning.

The double funerals will be held Friday at St. Mary's Cathedral on Gough Street. The time is tentatively set for 12:30 p.m.

Fire Chief Joanna Hayes-White released a statement on Saturday, shortly after Valerio died: "This has been an extremely difficult time for the members of the San Francisco Fire Department," she said. "Their deaths have left all of our members with heavy hearts -- they will be greatly missed."

Niether Perez nor Valerio were married or had children. Both were experienced firefighters who served on Engine Company 26. They were two of 30 firefighters who responded to the major blaze on Thursday morning at about 10:45 a.m. at 133 Berkeley Way. A woman and her children escaped the house fire, but both Perez and Valerio were upstairs in a room when a "flashover" occurred. That happens when temperatures rise so much that everything in the room ignites at one time. When fire officials found them, the two were badly burned and knocked unconscious.

Vincent Perez

​Perez died about an hour later, while Valerio clung to life at San Francisco General Hospital, with friends and family by his bedside. Although firefighters were not feeling optimistic as of Friday; they told SF Weekly, they were expecting that Valerio would not make it. He died at 7:45 a.m. the following day.

Valerio served the city for 27 years, 13 of which were with the Department of Public Health, and 14 years with the Fire Department. He grew up in the Bay Area, attended El Camino High School, City College of San Francisco, and then San Francisco State University, according to fire officials.

Perez, who was also raised in the Bay Area, was a 21-year veteran of the San Francisco Fire Department. He had served as a member of the U.S. Marine Corps.

San Francisco Fire Fighters Local 798 has established Trust Accounts at the San Francisco Fire Credit Union (SFFCU) for Perez and Valerio's families. Contribution can be sent to SFFCU, 3201 Cailfornia St., San Francisco, CA 94118 or made through www.sffirecu.org.

Follow us on Twitter at @SFWeekly and @TheSnitchSF

Tags:

133 Berkeley Way, Anthony Valerio, Diamond Heights blaze, engine company 26, San Francisco Fire Department, St. Mary's Cathedral, Vincent Perez