2 hospitalized in critical condition after apartment complex fire north of downtown, SAFD says
Two people were hospitalized in critical condition, and multiple people were rescued from their balconies during a fire at an apartment complex north of downtown, according to San Antonio Fire Department Chief Charles Hood.
20-year anniversary: SAFD chief describes searching for debris after Space Shuttle Columbia disaster
Twenty years ago, NASAโs Columbia space shuttle crashed to the Earth, killing all seven astronauts on board and sending debris scattered across 200 miles. San Antonio Fire Department Chief Charles Hood was deployed to search for that crucial debris.
Hear SAFD firefighterโs powerful spoken poem about mental health challenges in fire service
SAFD firefighter Kevin Burke recently learned more firefighters die from suicide than fire. He decided it was time to share a poem he wrote with vulnerability, to show his peers it's okay to ask for help. It was used as part of SAFD's mental health week this month.
Fireworks make for busy Independence Day for fire crews; possibly linked to 2 house fires
Firefighters were sent scrambling all across the city to put out fires possibly related to fireworks. They believe the holiday celebrations may have been behind a fire that destroyed 2 homes on the far Northwest Side.
San Antonio first responders describe scene of trailer deaths, say people โbasically cookingโ
First responders with the San Antonio Fire Department recalled the โhorrific sceneโ they arrived at Monday on the Southwest Side, where dozens of migrants died as they were left inside a sweltering trailer.
Death toll rises to 50 in San Antonio migrant tractor-trailer tragedy
The number of migrants dead in a suspected smuggling operation rose to 50 Tuesday, the Mexican consulate reported, a day after dozens of bodies were found lifeless in the back of a sweltering tractor-trailer in San Antonio.
washingtonpost.comLatest updates: What we know about the deaths of 53 people found inside a trailer in San Antonio
More than 50 migrants died after they were left in a tractor-trailer on a Southwest Side road โ a โhorrific human tragedyโ thatโs being called the largest mass casualty event in San Antonio history, authorities said.
San Antonio fire chief caught cursing at attorney during arbitration hearing on Zoom
SAN ANTONIO โ San Antonio Fire Department Chief Charles Hood on Tuesday was captured on camera cursing at an attorney during a virtual arbitration hearing for a fired firefighter. As Samanoโs attorney, Ben Sifuentes, asked a series of questions about how the media portrays firefighters, including Hood, Hood appeared to say on video, โWhat are you talking about with this s***? AdA recording of Hoodโs comments, which came around the 14:20 mark of the hearing, remained on the city of San Antonioโs YouTube channel as of 5 p.m. Tuesday. When the state trooper arrested Samano, placing him in a patrol vehicle, Samano told the trooper that โhe should pray he never needed (firefighter) Samanoโs services because (firefighter) Samano would not help him or his family,โ the suspension paperwork states. Prosecutors dismissed the misdemeanor criminal mischief charge against Samano, records show.
Firefighter suspended 45 days for leaving crew a man short, defacing SAFD documents
SAN ANTONIO โ A San Antonio firefighter was suspended 45 days late last year after a series of incidents that included him failing to respond to a call for service, according to discipline records obtained by the KSAT 12 Defenders. McConnaughhay did not respond to a call near the end of his shift in June, leaving his stationโs apparatus a man short, records show. The apparatus was unable to respond to the call due to McConnaughhayโs actions, according to his suspension paperwork. Records show McConnaughhay had also failed to respond to a call for service in December 2019 after instead going to use a restroom. He also cut crew names and contact information from a personnel list without permission, according to the same records.
Firefighter who โmoonedโ SAPD helicopter suspended 20 days
SAN ANTONIO โ A firefighter who bared his buttock and โmoonedโ a San Antonio Police Department Eagle helicopter earlier this year has been suspended 20 days, city discipline records show. Pictures were taken and later distributed to other people, suspension records show. Williams was cited for violating SAFD rules pertaining to conduct and behavior, negative public image and inappropriate behavior. Williams began serving the suspension Nov. 7, but forfeited some leave time instead of serving the entire suspension, records show. Complaint: SAFD district chief asked about womanโs breast size, likened room of women to โlesbian softball teamโ
SAFD defends decision to not terminate firefighter after second weapon arrest in less than two years
Jesus Ceuvas was given a 90-day sentence after a release and settlement agreement signed in November. Both criminal cases, reckless driving and unlawful carry of a weapon, remain pending, according to Hays County court records. SAFD officials first handed Cuevas an indefinite suspension, which was subsequently reduced to a 90-day suspension after Cuevas met with San Antonio Fire Department Chief Charles Hood. Bexar County court records indicate Cuevas was not criminally charged for unlawful carry of a weapon following the 2018 incident. Court records previously showed Cuevas was admitted to Bexar Countyโs Veterans Treatment Court in the DWI case.
San Antonio Fire Department EMS personnel roll up their sleeves for COVID-19 vaccine
SAN ANTONIO โ Emergency Medical Service workers with the San Antonio Fire Department started receiving their COVID-19 vaccinations Monday. SAFD officials said the vaccine will be available to roughly 400 EMS workers before itโs made available to more than 1,300 San Antonio firefighters. โOur personnel have been battling stress and fatigue as they continue the lifesaving work caring for the residents of San Antonio,โ said SAFD Chief Charles Hood. The vaccine is given in two doses, with the second dose administered approximately 21 days after the initial dose. SAFD officials thanked UT Health, University Hospital, and Christus Hospital System for the first allotment of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine in a press release.
City officials say San Antonio fire chief violated policy with photo taking sushi off nude woman's body
click to enlarge Twitter / @SATXFireSan Antonio Fire Chief Charles HoodSan Antonio Fire Chief Charles Hood violated department rules when he posed for photos eating sushi off a mostly nude woman's body at a private party, KSAT reports A probe into the incident also determined that Hood, who's been on the job for 13 years, violated city policies related to equal employment, diversity and anti-harassment, according to the story, which cites city records released Tuesday.City officials hired an outside attorney to investigate the image, which was snapped earlier this year at a firefighter's birthday. Among the attorney's other findings: Hood's staff failed to properly forward a complaint about the photo to the cityโs Human Resources department, KSAT reports.The city issued a formal letter of discipline to Hood on November 19, and in a memo shared by the TV station, the chief promised to institute changes including creating training to recognize and validate different cultures.The chief also promised to look for ways to overhaul the department's recruiting practices, increase mentorship for female staff and expand its female-focused "Hero Like Her" program.The reprimand comes days after KSAT aired a separate story about a sworn complaint filed against a SAFD district chief that alleged he asked about a female job applicant's breast size and referred group of women at an event as being "like a damn lesbian softball team. "That deputy chief, Douglas Berry, was suspended 15 days for over the complaint, according to the station. However, he gave up 80 hours of vacation leave instead.
sacurrent.comSAFD chief violated rules by posing for photo of him eating sushi off nude woman, investigation finds
SAN ANTONIO โ A weeks-long investigation has determined that San Antonio Fire Department Chief Charles Hood violated SAFD rules and regulations when he was photographed eating sushi off of a nude women during a private party earlier this year, records released Tuesday confirm. Records show Deputy City Manager Maria Villagomez was not forwarded a copy of the complaint from Hoodโs command staff for well over a month. SAFD Chief Charles Hood poses for a photo while eating sushi off a nude woman's body during a private party in January 2020. The photo was first published by the San Antonio Express-News. Serving sushi on a naked woman, otherwise known as โbody sushiโ or โnaked sushi,โ is part of the Japanese practice of nyotaimori, according to a report from The Associated Press.
Complaint: SAFD district chief asked about womanโs breast size, likened room of women to โlesbian softball teamโ
District Chief Douglas Berry was suspended for the 2018 comments in September, SAFD suspension records released last week confirm. Lopez is also accused of not giving the female firefighter an opportunity to be a field training officer, even though she had the proper experience. The complaint states that in September 2019 Berry then declined to let the female firefighter attend tryouts for an executive protection detail. โIt bothered me that all he cared about in his hiring process was the size of a womenโs breasts,โ the female firefighter wrote. โIn the past, when someone bucks Chief Berry, they are retaliated against.
SAFD district chief suspended for inappropriate comments during female firefighter job recommendation
SAFD firefighter suspended 90 days after writing โF--- the policeโ on FacebookCity officials declined to describe exactly what Berry said, but some of the inappropriate comments were made in August 2018 after Berry was asked to make a job recommendation for a female firefighter, records show. A month later, in September 2018, Berry again made inappropriate comments after returning from a Battle of the Badges boxing event. On both occasions, Berryโs comments were made in front of subordinates and while on duty, his suspension records stated. SAFD Chief Charles Hood became aware of the corroborated comments in April, records show. During a discipline meeting with Hood, Berry apologized and said there had been a major adjustment moving from the field to a desk job.
SAFD firefighter suspended 90 days after writing โF--- the policeโ on Facebook
SAN ANTONIO โ Editorโs note: Johnsonโs Facebook post included the expletive. A San Antonio firefighter who wrote โF--- the policeโ multiple times in a lengthy Facebook post in late August has been suspended 90 days without pay, SAFD suspension records show. Engineer Christopher Johnson was originally handed an indefinite suspension in early October, but it was later shortened to 90 days after Johnson met with Chief Charles Hood. Bienek was fired for commenting on a Facebook post โconcerning using a vehicle to โplowโ through protesters,โ according to previously released suspension records. Johnsonโs Facebook post came two days after the shooting of Jacob Blake by police in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
A woman and her dog die in a Northeast Side apartment fire, SAFD says
A woman and her dog died Thursday morning after a fire swept through her Northeast Side apartment, the San Antonio Fire Department said. According to Fire Chief Charles Hood, firefighters arrived at the Star Club Apartment Homes in the 8800 block of Starcrest Drive just after 9 a.m. to find a first-floor apartment completely engulfed with flames shooting out of the windows. Hood said firefighters had to break a window in order to to get water inside to cool it down before making entry. Yashika Clark was in her apartment, which sits behind the victimโs, and said her son smelled smoke during his online class. While she didnโt know the woman who died well, Clark said they would always wave and say good morning to each other while walking their dogs.
mysanantonio.comSan Antonio firefighters knock down fire at Northeast Side apartment complex
San Antonio firefighters on Thursday knocked down a fire at a Northeast Side apartment complex that they could see from miles away before they arrived on the scene. At one point, the fire was so intense at the apartment complex located in 12600 block of Uhr Lane, it produced heavy smoke that was visible for miles, Fire Chief Charles Hood said.
mysanantonio.com'I was so scared': 50 residents lose their home in fire at Northeast side apartment complex
Judy Diaz was sitting in her apartment Thursday when the glass from her patio door suddenly blew out. Moments later, someone was pounding on her front door telling her to get out because the building was on fire. Diaz, her son and her dog Molly escaped from the apartment before it became completely engulfed in flames. She was one of 50 people who lost their home after a fire tore through the Avistar at the Crest apartment complex, located in the 12600 block of Uhr Lane on the Northeast Side. โJust thank god someone saw the fire and started telling everyone,โHosein said.
mysanantonio.comCould California-esque wildfires happen in San Antonio? Hereโs what the Fire Chief said.
Could California-esque wildfires happen in San Antonio? Although San Antonio has yet to experience destruction from wildfires on anything approaching that scale, Fire Chief Charles Hood said the area shares several contributing elements with California. The following year, San Antonio firefighters participated in a wildfire simulation at the Roseheart retirement community on the North Side. Hood noted that brush fires often spring up in the winter when vegetation dries out. Chief Hood said his department uses prescribed burns to clear some of the vegetation that fuels such fires.
mysanantonio.comElderly man pulled from burning home on Far East Side
Elderly man pulled from burning home on Far East SideOne person was hospitalized after a house caught fire on the Far East Side Wednesday, according to the San Antonio Fire Department. One person was hospitalized after a house caught fire on the Far East Side Wednesday, according to the San Antonio Fire Department. Photo: Mark Dunphy Photo: Mark Dunphy Image 1 of / 8 Caption Close Elderly man pulled from burning home on Far East Side 1 / 8 Back to GalleryOne person was hospitalized after a house caught fire on the Far East Side on Wednesday, according to the San Antonio Fire Department. They discovered an 86-year-old man and pulled him out of the fire. I saw the man being pulled out, Rivera said.
mysanantonio.comLife During Coronavirus: San Antonios Week in Photos, April 27-May 3
During the coronavirus pandemic and its resulting shutdowns, Rivard Report photographers have chronicled San Antonio and its residents as everyone adapts to a different way of life. Each week, well share our most meaningful images as a visual account of San Antonios new normal. San Antonio Fire Chief Charles Hood leads an April 29 media tour of the Freeman Coliseums overflow coronavirus care area and a facility to decontaminate personal protective equipment. Greg Abbott under which retail locations were permitted to open at 25 percent capacity. Credit: Scott Ball / Rivard ReportSeniors from Warren High School decorate their vehicles with the school colors of the colleges they will be attending as part of a parade on May 1. Credit: Scott Ball / Rivard Report
therivardreport.com28 New Coronavirus Cases in Bexar County, 21 in Jail
Bexar County now has 1,195 cases of the novel coronavirus, an increase of 28 positive test results, Mayor Ron Nirenberg said Friday. Though the daily increase of overall Bexar County coronavirus cases shrank Friday, positive cases at the Bexar County Adult Detention Center jumped by 21, the largest number reported at the facility so far. There are now 57 inmates at the jail who have tested positive for COVID-19, according to the Bexar County Sheriffs Office. The 21 inmates who most recently tested positive were asymptomatic, the sheriffs office said Friday. They were tested after several inmates from the same living unit tested positive.
therivardreport.comGood Samaritans save man from burning South Side home
Good Samaritans save man from burning South Side homeThe San Antonio Fire Department responded to a single-story residence on the 5300 block of South Flores St. shortly after 3 p.m. FIND OUT FIRST: Get San Antonio breaking news directly to your inboxWithin an hour, Garcia and other bystanders were listening to a San Antonio firefighter thank them for pulling a person who uses a wheelchair out of the burning building. Garcia and his wife Alondra pulled over and called 911 when they saw the source of the smoke, a single-story residence on the 5300 block of South Flores. Neighbors heard the couple yelling, came outside, and informed them that a young man in a wheelchair was home alone inside the building. He was focused on saving the young man inside.
mysanantonio.comCity Officials: Nursing Home With Coronavirus Outbreak Had Staff Employed at Other Facilities
Some staff members at the San Antonio nursing home where a cluster of coronavirus cases occurred also work at seven other local care facilities, San Antonio Fire Department Chief Charles Hood said Friday. Sixty-seven of the 84 residents and eight of the 60 staff members at the Southeast Nursing and Rehabilitation Center tested positive for COVID-19 this week. In case anyone in San Antonio needed a wake up call about the seriousness of COVID-19 to our community, this is it, he said. The latter of which is managed by the same company, Advanced Healthcare Solutions, as Southeast Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Just stay home.The outbreak at the Southeast facility is not the peak of the virus spread in San Antonio, she added.
therivardreport.comStaff at San Antonio Nursing Home With Coronavirus Outbreak Also Worked at Other Facilities
San Antonio health officials are warning that two infected staffers at the local nursing home where 67 people tested positive for the coronavirus also worked at other facilities.Between them, the employees did work for at least seven other sites around the city, San Antonio Fire Chief Charles Hood said at a Friday morning news conference. Dawn Emerick said.What's more, Metro Health is sending notices to local nursing homes, care facilities and jails, requesting they document every other place where their staff does work.Mayor Nirenberg said he'll add language to his emergency order to stop nursing home staff from moonlighting at other facilities. From local politics and culture to national news that hits close to home, San Antonio Current has been keeping San Antonio informed for years. Its never been more important to support local news sources. If quality journalism is important to you, please consider a donation to San Antonio Current.
sacurrent.comSan Antonio Nursing Home With 14 Positive Coronavirus Cases Had Past Sanitary Violations
The nursing home where health officials identified 14 cases of the novel coronavirus was given a one-star rating from medicare.gov and cited for abuse. Southeast Nursing and Rehabilitation Center was given 17 health citations in October, 10 more than the average for a nursing home in Texas. Southeast Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Resident health and safety is a top priority for Southeast Nursing and Rehab, stated nursing home officials. The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Bexar County rose to 207 on Tuesday, including the residents and staff at the nursing home.
therivardreport.com13 Residents, Staff Infected with Coronavirus at San Antonio Nursing Home, 1 dead
Health officials have confirmed 14 cases of the novel coronavirus at the Southeast Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Southeast San Antonio. Eight residents, one of whom died Tuesday, and six staff members tested positive for coronavirus. Resident health and safety is a top priority for Southeast Nursing and Rehab, stated nursing home officials. We have reviewed and updated our infection prevention and control plans and our emergency communication plan, nursing home officials stated. The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Bexar County rose to 207 on Tuesday, including the residents and staff at the nursing home.
therivardreport.comPlane crash north of San Antonio International Airport kills three: NBC
(Reuters) - Three people died when a small plane crashed on the north side of the San Antonio International Airport in Texas late on Sunday, NBC Chicago reported, citing fire officials. The plane was on its way from Sugarland to Boerne when it developed engine problems and diverted to the San Antonio International Airport, the report added, citing San Antonio fire chief Charles Hood. The plane crashed into a sidewalk killing all three passengers.
feeds.reuters.comFirefighters Mark Passing of Firefighter Greg Garza With Memorial Walk
Hundreds of firefighters solemnly walked through downtown from the Alamodome to Main Plaza Tuesday morning to honor fallen firefighter Greg Garza. We lay our lives on the line every single day, Hood told reporters after the event. A lot of our firefighters are struggling, Steele told the firefighters during the ceremony. You guys [have] got to look out for each other.Scott Ball / Rivard Report permalink Scott Ball / Rivard Report permalink Scott Ball / Rivard Report permalink Scott Ball / Rivard Report permalinkTo Garzas wife and family, Steele said, I want you to see your family. He will rest in power, Hood told the crowd before a prayer.
therivardreport.comProcession escorts body of fallen SAFD firefighter to funeral home
SAN ANTONIO - With flashing lights and a huge flag dangling from a ladder truck, San Antonio firefighters and police officers escorted the body of fallen firefighter Greg Garza to a downtown funeral home Wednesday morning. The procession arrived around 10 a.m. at the Porter Loring funeral home on McCullough Street. RELATED: Funds being collected for fallen SAFD firefighter Greg GarzaGarza was part of a crew that had responded to a report of smoke inside a motel at the corner of Live Oak and Dawson streets, just east of downtown. Ayala said the news of the 49-year-old firefighter's death is sad and disturbing. RELATED: KSAT Community hosts phone bank honoring firefighter, Greg GarzaFor his fellow firefighters, his death is devastating.
San Antonio Fire Chief Remembers Firefighter Killed, Encourages Drivers to Pay Attention to First Responders
click to enlarge San Antonio Fire DepartmentI have asked that area businesses and organizations join the City of San Antonio in lowering the State Flag to half-staff immediately through the time of interment in honor and remembrance of Firefighter Greg Garza of the San Antonio Fire Department. "I think people get immune to fire trucks, police cars and ambulances," Hood said. "This was a reminder for all citizens, please give us space around an accident, please don't look at what we are doing. "Hood also asked that the community pray for the San Antonio Fire Department as well as Garza's family. San Antonians wanting to help the family can do so by donating to the Greg Garza Memorial Account at Generations Federal Credit Union.
sacurrent.comSan Antonio reacts after firefighter dies in freak accident in line of duty
SAN ANTONIO - A firefighter with the San Antonio Fire Department (SAFD) has died following an accident Tuesday morning, according to San Antonio Fire Chief Charles Hood. ORIGINAL: SAFD firefighter struck by vehicle while on duty dies, sources sayThe SAFD is asking for prayers and continued vigilance. Mr. Garza was a son of San Antonio and honorably served as a San Antonio Firefighter for 17 years. Firefighter Greg Garza lost his life this morning while out on a call doing the job he loved. -Councilwoman Melissa Cabello Havrda"I was truly heartbroken to learn of the passing of firefighter Greg Garza.
Residents stop for pictures as crews clear scaffolding that collapsed in downtown San Antonio
SAN ANTONIO - The 100-foot scaffold that collapsed in downtown San Antonio is still blocking streets Saturday. The scaffolding collapsed Thursday night after it was knocked down during severe thunderstorms in the area. While progress is clearly being made in the cleanup efforts, the scaffold still had a massive presence in downtown San Antonio. Residents could be seen stopping by the road closure to take pictures of the collapsed scaffold. Three people were injured after they ran from a bus park bench nearby the collapse, Fire Chief Charles Hood said.
Storm Winds Knock Over Scaffolding in Downtown San Antonio, Crushing Cars and Damaging Historic Church
Hood said the city could have been responding to more serious injuries had the storm hit earlier in the day. "If it would have been rush hour, it would have been a lot worse," Hood told KSAT The collapse damaged St. Mark's Episcopal Church and crushed cars parked on the street. No one was inside the church at the time of the incident. Due to the extensive damage, the church will be closed until further notice, said Rev. Beth Knowlton.A section of Martin will be closed until first responders are able to remove the 16 stories of scaffolding , which Hood said will be a "lengthy process."
sacurrent.comPublic safety, support for shooting victims discussed in second gun violence town hall
SAN ANTONIO - UPDATE (9/12/19): The third and final town hall meeting on gun violence is scheduled to start at 6 p.m. Wednesday at the Ecological Center at Hardberger Park. The town hall will be a community forum, emphasizing steps that the public and governing bodies can take to reduce the risks of gun violence. (Previously)Public safety and support for people who witness shootings were just some topics discussed at the second gun violence town hall organized by District 8 Councilman Manny Pelaez. The panelists included Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar, San Antonio Police Chief William McManus, Fire Chief Charles Hood and University of Texas at San Antonio Police Chief Gerald Lewis. The panelists also talked about the Fusion Center, which allows different agencies to all work and communicate together.
Fire near The Quarry prompts evacuations at restaurants, businesses
The fire started just after 3 p.m. above Paciugo Gelato Cafe in the 900 block of E. Basse Road near The Quarry. All the businesses in the building were evacuated, including Pei Wei, Panera Bread, Sushi Zushi, Order Up and Slater White Cleaners. Hood said it started somewhere near the roof and could be related to the electrical or air conditioning systems. Employees at several of the businesses told firefighters they smelled smoke earlier in the day. Most of the fire damage occurred at Paciugo and to the breezeway in front of the shop, but the smoke reached all the businesses in the building.
Public safety, support for shooting victims discussed in second gun violence town hall
SAN ANTONIO - Public safety and support for people who witness shootings were just some topics discussed at the second gun violence town hall organized by District 8 Councilman Manny Pelaez. The training that our law enforcement departments undergo was also discussed by some panelists, who pointed out that they can't stop every shooting. The panelists included Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar, San Antonio Police Chief William McManus, Fire Chief Charles Hood and University of Texas at San Antonio Police Chief Gerald Lewis. The panelists also talked about the Fusion Center, which allows different agencies to all work and communicate together. The next town hall meeting is scheduled for Sept. 10.
100 firefighters called to battle fire at shopping area in Medical Center
SAN ANTONIO - About 100 firefighters were called to fight flames in the Medical Center after a fire spread around a shopping center. San Antonio Fire Chief Charles Hood said it appears the fire started by accident at a nail salon near Gardendale and Datapoint Drive on Monday evening. So to be out in this heat, we have to make sure we are rehabbing them, Hood said. Hood said 80% of firefighters die in the line of duty because of heart attacks and strokes. Firefighters needed to get their vitals checked before returning to work, he said.
More local EMS units carrying equipment to help save lives at trauma scenes
Kieschnick-Rivas is the first person in San Antonio to be saved by the San Antonio Fire Department's whole blood transfusion equipment that was added to emergency medical services units in October. She is now making it her mission to tell her story about how the whole blood transfusion equipment saved her life. When the program started, there were six units across the city carrying the equipment that makes the transfusions possible a cooler and a blood warming device. Now, eight SAFD units are carrying the equipment, thanks to two donors: Kieschnick-Rivas' father and Qinflow, a company that makes the blood warming devices. To donate toward the cause, contact the San Antonio Fire Department.