LOS GATOS, Calif. -- Santa Clara County Fire Chief Ben Lopes responded today to three citations issued to the fire department on Thursday in connection with the February death of a firefighter who was electrocuted by a downed power line.

The citations, carrying a proposed penalty of $44,000, were issued by the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA). They allege that the fire department did not institute proper practices in minimizing the risk of the live wire to firefighters.

In a written statement, Lopes expressed that department officials were surprised with the citations after Cal/OSHA representatives had reportedly told the department that it would not be cited. The fire department has until Aug. 15 to appeal the citations.

For full story, visit: Santa Clara Co. Fire Chief Responds To Citations