George Touart & Public Records
Four weeks ago, IN asked for Escambia County public records regarding the sale of the former Pensacola Soccer Complex. Next thing, we know, Jim Moulton is calling telling us not to bash the county's decision to sell it to him for $2.5 million. Three weeks ago, IN asked for public records on the fire departments. We're still waiting for the records. But again, it looks like Touart is trying to thwart our story by getting the volunteer firefighters organized to hire a spokesman--before IN even has the public records and before IN has published its story. Anybody have information on the volunteers and or Touart's hand in the fire department???
posted by Duwayne Escobedo | 4:17 PM
3 Comments:
Same thing different day from the old farts in command around here. Touart loves running around playing victim when the press latches onto him but thinks this sort of thing is "just the way things are done." Public records are just that: public, and should be readily available for all.
Independent News has still not received its fire department public records. Interestingly, here's a press release from the County Administrator George Touart & Co.
June 21, 2006
News Release# 06-0621-Fire Fighter Safety
Escambia County Fire~Rescue to Stand Down
for Fire Fighter Safety this month
Escambia County Fire-Rescue is joining thousands of fire departments across the United States and Canada for the 2006 International Fire Fighter Safety Stand Down. Starting June 21, and continuing until all members of the department have participated, our fire fighters will suspend all non-emergency activity to focus on fire fighter safety.
The department will respond to all emergency calls as normal, but between calls, fire fighters, officers and chiefs will take the time to conduct safety training and drills; review our safety-related standard operating procedures; discuss accident reports and have an open conversation about fire fighter safety in the department. The focus of the Stand Down is on emergency vehicle safety—in particular, on seatbelt use and safe driving through intersections.
“Our firefighters are committed to serving the residents of Escambia County. Keeping our fire fighters safe and healthy helps us respond effectively and keep our community protected,” said Chief Ken Perkins. “While fire fighter safety is always a priority of Escambia County Fire-Rescue, the Stand Down is an opportunity to dedicate a significant amount of time to the safety of our personnel.”
“The Stand Down also serves to remind the citizens of Escambia County to do their part in keeping our community’s fire fighters safe. Remember to pull to the nearest curb or shoulder when you see fire trucks or ambulances responding, and use caution when driving by emergency scenes where fire fighters and other responders are helping accident victims,” Chief Ken Perkins said.
Last year, 106 fire fighters died in the line of duty in the United States; 26 of these deaths occurred in emergency vehicle-related accidents. Thousands more were injured while on duty. The purpose of the stand down is to call international attention to these unacceptable numbers of line-of-duty deaths and injuries and devote an entire day to the critical issue of fire fighter safety.
The Stand Down is sponsored by the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) and the IAFC’s Volunteer and Combination Officers’ Section in partnership with nearly 20 national fire service organizations. For more information, visit www.iafc.org/standdown or call the IAFC at (703) 273-0911.
How many have died in Escambia County Jails since 2000?
And HOW MANY TIMES THE NATIONAL BASELINE are those deaths?
How many times the national average per 100,000 in county population -
(A) Two
(B) Ten
(C) Twenty
(D) Forty
(E) Sixty
(F) I don't know, but several - TOO MANY!
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