FDNY Supervisor, 3 Dispatchers Suspended Following Investigation Into Response To Fatal Far Rockaway Fire
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Fallout from the fire that killed two children in Queens has led to the suspensions of an FDNY supervisor and three dispatchers.
Jai'Launi and Ayina Tinglin were killed after flames broke out at their Far Rockaway home last Saturday. They were both just 4 years old.
A preliminary investigation into the fire revealed that ambulances did not arrive until 21 minutes after the first call to 911, CBS 2 reported.
Investigators said the dispatchers failed to properly notify EMS about the emergency, and that the supervisor didn't ensure proper coverage.
FDNY Supervisor, 3 Dispatchers Suspended Following Investigation Into Response To Fatal Far Rockaway Fire
According to investigators, there was a nearly seven-minute delay in notifying EMS, WCBS 880's Rich Lamb reported.
The four are also accused of not following guidelines for processing calls.
The investigation also revealed prior disciplinary issues for some of the four who were suspended, including documented instances related to the mishandling of fire incidents and a prior documented instance of failing to supervise.
Mayor Bill de Blasio released a statement following the investigators' initial actions, calling the suspensions appropriate.
"Since last weekend's tragedy, we have tried to make sense of what went wrong. Today's report offers the first steps needed to correct the mistakes of that evening, and the immediate measures outlined are appropriate. We await the final results of the completed investigation, and stand ready to quickly and aggressively implement reforms needed to prevent something like this from happening again," the mayor said.
While the suspensions come just days following the fire, officials said the investigation is still ongoing. Once the probe is complete, investigators are expected to release a full report with findings and further recommendations.
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