2003-02-12 Fire Commission Minutes

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Chair Brazier called for a recess of 10 minutes until 11:15 am. CONSIDERATION & DELIBERATION OF COMPLAINT: HFC 03-01 Complainant Velma Grant did a presentation regarding the incident that happened to her on January 24, 2003. Ms. Granted stated that she is present for the purpose of trying to get something resolved with firefighter Hiram Simeona aka ÐDUNAÑ. She regrets that he was not present today. On January 24, 2003, at 9:00 am, 911 was dispatched to her residence. Three paramedics came to the home. Ms. GrantÓs daughter made the call to 911. Ms. GrantÓs heart was rapidly out of control, beating. The paramedics came in and there was one paramedic that came around the side of her bed taking her vital signs, etc. During this time Ms. Grant noticed his name on his shirt that stated ÐWellsÑ. He wanted to administer nitro under her tongue. Ms. Grant was afraid and hesitated. He said, ÐDonÓt be afraid, itÓll be ok; it wonÓt hurt you.Ñ Ms. Grant felt that she could trust him. She heard a voice at the foot of her bed saying, ÐHurry up, hurry up, we donÓt have all day.Ñ Wells said, ÐTrust me, itÓs going to be ok.Ñ Ms. Grant trusted him. He administered oxygen and she felt better. They took her out to the ambulance and she was praying. They lifted her up into the ambulance. There was a paramedic at the rear doors, and he was saying, ÐYeah, yeah, yeahÑ in that kind of tone and rudeness. Ms. Grant looked at his shirt and it said ÐSimeona.Ñ She repeated the name and he said, ÐYeah, IÓm Simeona.Ñ Ms. Grant stated that she could feel her heart beating. He was saying things that were very disturbing and Ms. Grant asked him to go away. Wells then asked him to go away. Ms. Grant then saw Simeona go towards the front of the ambulance and her daughter was trying to get someoneÓs attention to see if she could ride in the ambulance. Simeona was trying to buckle Ms. GrantÓs daughter (Ms. Carter) seatbelt and she said, ÐNo, she could do it herself.Ñ Ms. GrantÓs grandson asked Simeona if his grandma is going to be ok, and he said, ÐI donÓt knowÈ donÓt ask me, IÓm not a doctor.Ñ Ms. GrantÓs grandson was dumbfounded and visibly shaken. Ms. Grant stated that sheÓs had experiences in the past with paramedics and never have had to deal with this kind of a problem/attitude/conduct. attentive and helpful and coming back to the Emergency Room to c everything is going good. Ms. Grant stated that she didnÓt know what was wrong with Simeona and his conduct is unbefitting of the officer. Ms. Grant stated that the complaint classifications that ÐDunaÑ brought the department into is disrepute and performance of duty. His behavior is rude and crude. Simeona has violated the rules of the Department and he should be reprimanded and consistently monitored. A written letter of apology is in order. Ms. Grant asked how many times has this happened in the past by this man or will hap involving him without someone coming forth and reporting it. Ms. Grant does not want the actions of one individual to spoil the whole bunch. ItÓs not everybody, itÓs just a bad incident that shouldnÓtÓ put a mark on the rest. Ms. Grant has had good incidents with the HFD. Ms. Grant asked the HFC to search their hearts and use the wisdom and knowledge to make the right decision. 5