Firefightersโ union president: Members claim SAFD leadership has โmanagement mafiaโ culture
The San Antonio Professional Firefighters Association President says his conversations with city staff indicate there's ongoing investigations into the culture inside the San Antonio Fire Department administration.
San Antonio Fire Departmentโs cancer prevention initiative becomes model for other fire departments
The San Antonio Fire Department's Quartermaster program was started in 2019 as a pilot program. It has now become part of the city's annual budget and initiatives to minimize crews' exposure to cancer-causing chemicals.
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.
Latest 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.
SAFD 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.
Woman, dog killed in 2-alarm apartment fire on Northeast Side, SAFD says
SAN ANTONIO โ A woman and her dog have died as a result of a fire that broke out in their North Side apartment Thursday morning. They quickly found out that the fire in a ground floor unit already had a head-start. When firefighters were able to get inside, they found the woman down on the floor in a hallway. He said they also found her dog, dead inside the apartment. Members of the American Red Cross arrived at the apartment complex to assist them in finding other accommodations.
Sushi chef slams city leaders for criticizing SAFD chief who took part in Japanese tradition
SAN ANTONIO โ A longtime local sushi chef says city leaders shouldโve done their homework before criticizing the San Antonio fire chief for appearing in a photo depicting a Japanese tradition that dates back centuries. โNothing derogatory about it,โ said longtime local sushi chef Goro Pitchford. He said he was appalled to hear city leaders like manager Erik Walsh and Mayor Ron Nirenberg criticize Chief Hood for taking part in the Japanese practice. SAFD Chief Charles Hood poses for a photo while eating sushi off a nude woman's body during a private party in January 2020. RELATED: City attorney: Photo of SAFD chief eating sushi off nude woman is a โserious issueโ under review
City attorney: Photo of SAFD chief eating sushi off nude woman is a โserious issueโ under review
It shows Chief Hood at the private party, not in uniform, holding sushi while kneeling next to the model. 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 incident happened while Chief Hood was attending a firefighterโs birthday party in January, he said. San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg said during Fridayโs coronavirus briefing that he is in support of Walshโs directive for the city attorney to conduct the review involving the photograph. โThe scene in that photo is counter to the standards and values that we expect from the city of San Antonio organization.
SAFD Chief Charles Hood delivers emotional speech about his experiences with racism
SAN ANTONIO โ Standing on a podium after accepting an award for Fire Chief of the Year, San Antonio Fire Chief Charles Hood admitted he felt pressure to be successful when he earned his post in 2007. As the first African-American fire chief in San Antonioโs history, he carried it on his back and has โbeen silentโ about it over the years. Earlier this week, the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association, made up of fire chiefs from large metropolitan areas, voted Hood as Fire Chief of the Year. โI suffered and experienced racism throughout my career,โ he said to media members, city officials and SAFD staff, getting emotional at times. Hood said he was named chief because he was the best candidate and has a โstellar career."
San Antonio Fire Chief Charles Hood named 2020 Fire Chief of the Year by association
SAN ANTONIO โ San Antonio Fire Chief Charles Hood received a huge honor on Tuesday morning. The Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association named Hood as Fire Chief of the Year during a ceremony at Public Safety Headquarters. โIโm happy to share this award with the City of San Antonio,โ he said during the ceremony. Mayor Ron Nirenberg, City Manager Erik Walsh, Deputy City Manager Marรญa Villagรณmez and SAFD command staff attended the ceremony. Metro members belong to the International Association of Fire Chiefs and the National Fire Protection Association.
San Antonio Fire Station 14 to remain closed due to COVID-19 infections
SAN ANTONIO โ A San Antonio fire station where six firefighters tested positive for COVID-19 will remain closed until the quarantine period is over for 41 personnel, SAFD Chief Charles Hood said Tuesday during a special City Council meeting. 14 has been cleaned professionally, and work is pending on air conditioning ducts and other station maintenance issues, Hood said. You can view Hoodโs Power Point presentation below:Metro Health Director, Dr. City Attorney, Andy Segovia, also presented a Power Point presentation to the city council. The first case confirmed in the U.S. was in mid-January and the first case confirmed in San Antonio was in mid-February.
San Antonio has 840 COVID-19 quarantine rooms ready for occupancy
SAN ANTONIO โ The city of San Antonio has 840 hotel rooms available for people who test positive for COVID-19 and have to quarantine themselves, said Chief Charles Hood of the San Antonio Fire Department. During a special virtual City Council meeting Tuesday, Hood told Mayor Ron Nirenberg and council members that 62 rooms, known as isolation care facilities, have been secured and ready for occupancy. The rooms are available for people who test positive for the virus but donโt require hospitalization, officials said. Security will be provided by the San Antonio Police Department. San Antonio firefighter tests positive for COVID-19, officials sayHood also talked about how the department is protecting firefighters and emergency medical technicians.
Infected staff at nursing home with 75 COVID-19 patients worked at other San Antonio facilities
Eight of the 60 staff members at Southeast Nursing & Rehabilitation have tested positive and are in self-isolation away from the facility, San Antonio Fire Chief Charles Hood said. โOf the eight staff members who are COVID positive, we know that two of them worked in other facilities," Hood said. โAnd the staff members who have not been tested, we know they worked in at least 7 facilities in the city. Metro Health will test 17 other staff members at the nursing home today, and health officials are still trying to contact 28 of the staff members for testing. "Finally, there should not be any sick personnel at nursing facilities.
COVID-19 outbreak at San Antonio nursing home: 14 confirmed cases, 1 death, 70+ tests pending
SAN ANTONIO โ The San Antonio Fire Department and San Antonio Metropolitan Health District announced a COVID-19 outbreak at a local nursing home on Wednesday. A San Antonio Metropolitan Health District spokeswoman confirmed the new positive cases, but said they would not be included in the cityโs tally until numbers are updated on Thursday. Hood said one of the deaths that was reported yesterday in San Antonio was a resident at the nursing home. All we can do is just pray and hope things get better.โHood said there are 68 nursing home facilities in San Antonio. The city of San Antonio health officials have been extremely helpful to our facility and we cannot thank them enough.
Third victim identified in deadly San Antonio plane crash
SAN ANTONIO โ The Bexar County Medical Examinerโs Office has identified the third victim of a deadly plane crash that occurred Sunday in San Antonio. On Wednesday, the 71-year-old woman who died in the crash was identified as Maureen McFarren Garrow, who died of multiple blunt force injuries. What we know about the deadly plane crash in San AntonioThe flight took off Sunday from Sugar Land and headed toward Boerne, Fire Chief Charles Hood previously said. The pilot, who is believed to be Womble, activated an alert and notified San Antonio International Airport traffic controllers that he had an engine failure. Three killed in plane crash near San Antonio International AirportAccording to the flight path provided by FlightAware, the plane reached the airport, but looped around before landing.