Arizona: Phoenix Fire Fined $95K in Firefighter Brad Harper's Death
Brad Harper had known since high school that he wanted to join the fire department. Two years ago Harper passed the test and was hired. He volunteered to be part of Phoenix's busiest fire unit. But there is a lot more to this young man than his passion for his job.
Three reports released Tuesday by the City of Phoenix and the Industrial Commission of Arizona detail the events of the May 18 accident that took the life of 23-year-old Brad Harper, who was killed while fighting a mulch fire near 39th Avenue and Miami Street.
The commission levied a $70,000 fine against the fire department, saying Harper "was killed when he was struck by and caught between two fire fighting vehicles while one of the vehicles was backing up without the use of a spotter. Harper was trapped between the engine and a door of his rescue ambulance. The report stated there was a lack of situational awareness."
A review board also concluded Harper was likely focused on other tasks and didn't notice the approaching engine. The commission hit the fire department with an additional $25,000 penalty, saying Harper was killed in the line of duty as a result of willful (regulatory) violation."
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