Copyright 2005 Boston Herald Inc.
The Boston Herald
By GREG DUGGAN
The state is blaming operator error and lack of training for an accident that forced doctors to amputate a Melrose firefighter’s leg.
“Training, training, training is what you’ll see through this,” said Melrose Fire Chief John O’Brien of the report.
Melrose firefighter Neil Sullivan had his leg crushed when he was caught between a ladder truck and an engine while fighting a fire on the night of Aug. 7.
Despite losing one leg and suffering injuries to the other, Sullivan said he’s staying strong for his family and fellow jakes.
“I feel that I’ve kept my head up and just dealt with everything with a positive attitude,” Sullivan said. “I have lots of things to live for and to strive for . . . you just gotta dust yourself off and get going.”
A report just released by the Massachusetts Department of Labor’s Division of Occupational Safety identified six “hazards” on the night of the fire that led up to the accident.
The report specified serious “systemic items” from a lack of understanding by the engine driver, the need for a safety officer at fire scenes and continued training.
The report does not identify the driver of the vehicle, nor would city officials identify the firefighter, other than to confirm that he was relieved of duty at the time of the accident by the chief and has been on leave ever since. However, a police report from the night of the fire identified the firefighter/driver of Engine 2 as Jeff McCarthy.
When contacted earlier this week by the Free Press, McCarthy would not comment.