SAN ANTONIO — The San Antonio Fire Department suspended three firefighters for traveling at unsafe speeds without seat belts in a wreck last year.
The Nov. 14 rollover crash seriously injured one of the four firefighters inside the apparatus, who had to be extricated from the back seat.
The suspensions are meant to serve as an example to operate fire department vehicles safely, and the crash should be seen as a “wake-up call,” Fire Chief Charles Hood said.
“Seatbelt issues are cultural issues in the fire service,” Chief Hood told The San Antonio Express-News.
The firefighter driving the apparatus attempted to take a left turn at an intersection while traveling 33 mph when the fire truck rolled over and came to a rest on its side, according to the newspaper.
Capt. Larry Schultz was suspended for 60 days, being held accountable for his crew, while the firefighter driving the apparatus was suspended for 45 days.
Another firefighter was suspended for five days, while the trapped firefighter who suffered a broken neck and remains on medical leave did not face any suspension.
Since the crash, the department has implemented mandatory seat belt drills and additional training for drivers.