Investigators have concluded that the failure of a pump on a fire engine was likely caused by a mechanical and/or design defect. The failure occurred on July 4 at a car accident scene where David Contreras died. Chief Dave Lugo may pursue litigation with manufacturer Kovatch Mobile Fire Apparatus. See related story, Arcadia Weekly, July 11, 2002, p. 8 and Arcadia Weekly, July 18, 2002, p. 1.
The Arcadia City Council has agreed to create new positions for deputy fire chief and fire division chief in the fire department. The salary range is $93,000-116,000 for the deputy fire chief and $85,000-105,000 for the fire division chief.
Robert Seares, born in Pasadena in 1909, had an amazing career as a journalist, photographer, and police official. He was chief of police in Arcadia and remained there for 15 years until retirement. He wrote a memoir called "Eighty Years: a Memoir." A copy is in the Pasadena Museum of History library.
Arcadia resident Gary R. Dimkich has been appointed to the Los Angeles County Beach Commission. He is a graduate of California State University Los Angeles and owns DeLacey's Club 41 restaurant in Pasadena.
Arcadia Fire Department's annual Strategic Plan received unanimous approval Tuesday night by Arcadia City Council members. Fire Chief Pete Bonano presented the plan which outlines the department's major goals and provides the road map of resources, ensuring the department meets the city's fire and safety needs.
Daniel O'Connell, Republican candidate for Assembly in the 44th District, is running against Carol Liu. His biggest issue is the state budget. The article includes a biographical sketch.
A house fire on Canyon Road in Arcadia caused about $1 million in damage. Photographs show the home and firemen Michael Baily (Monrovia Fire Department) and Craig Stogner (Arcadia Fire Department).
A group of Arcadia firefighters who had gone to New York City to help after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks were so profoundly affected that they organized a fundraiser to benefit widows and orphans of the New York Fire Department and Arcadia Fire Department. Those who went were Captain Hutcheson, Captain Trabbie, John Beveridge, Craig Stogner, Cody Cerwin and paramedic Mike MacGregor.
Arcadia Fire Department received Fire Engine No. 343 from the Governor's Office of Emergency Services (OES). The number is significant and it has been specially dedicated by the state to the memory of the 343 New York City firefighters who died on September 11, 2001.
Dr. Edward Castner won the election to be Chief of Staff at Arcadia Methodist Hospital last fall. However, the election was mired in politics. Charges of disloyalty were made against opposing candidate Dr. Dino Clarizio, according to documents that recently became available.