Sleeping Residents Rocked by Explosion Suspect Seen on Video
By Admin | November 16, 2010
Topics: Incidents, Video | 36 Comments »
Suspect Caught on Video & Arrested after Detonating an Explosive Device
By Steve Yamamoto | November 14, 2010
“On November 11, 2010 Long Beach Fire Department (LBFD)/ Arson Investigators, assisted by Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) Violent Crimes Detectives, the Los Angeles Sheriff Department (LASD) Bomb Squad, and the Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) served search warrants at 438 Crystal Court and arrested 32 year old Garret Lengyel in connection with the use of a incendiary/destructive device. Lengyel was captured on surveillance video detonating an incendiary device in the alley outside of 430 Daisy Avenue on November 5, 2010. The explosion was captured on the buildings surveillance cameras as it rocked the neighborhood of sleeping residents who told Investigators these types of explosions were becoming more and more frequent. The surveillance video shows Lengyel arrive in the alley with the device. A short time later Lengyel is seen walking back toward his residence and within six seconds a large flash and fire are seen on the video. The device exploded outside the bedrooms windows of occupied apartments and homes. Motivated to protect their neighborhood, the impacted residents provided Investigators with critical information that led to the arrest of Lengyel. The search warrants their information justified, revealed multiple items of evidence linking Lengyel to the explosion. The case will now be presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney for prosecution. Investigators remain interested in receiving additional information about Lengyel and his bomb making, and are encouraging citizens to report any information they may have to the LBFD Arson Hotline at 562-570-2582.”
Topics: Incidents, News | 19 Comments »
Veteran’s Day Parade 2010
By Steve Yamamoto | November 6, 2010
This year marked the 14th annual Veteran’s Day Parade in North Long Beach and once again members of the Long Beach Fire Department (LBFD) participated in the festivities. Units that attended the parade included Engine 11 and Truck 11, as well as three museum rigs from the LBFD museum. This year Firefighter Nick Kalt was recognized as one of the Honorary Grand Marshall’s of the parade. Nick served in the United States Marine Corp. for 10 years before retiring as a Captain. In 2008, he was hired by the LBFD and is currently assigned to Station 13. Fire Chief Alan Patalano was also in attendance riding on Truck 11 with Firefighter Kalt. Aboard the three antique fire engines were various City Council Members as they were driven down Atlantic Blvd. by our very own retired Long Beach Firefighters. Numerous veterans from all branches of the military participated and hundreds of spectators were in attendance. Once again this year’s parade was a great display of thanks and honoring to all those who have served.
Topics: Events | 25 Comments »
Rescue At 200 Feet
By Jackawa Jackson | November 1, 2010
On the evening of October 30, 2010 at 6:44 pm, units from the Long Beach Fire Department responded to 1521 Harbor Scenic Drive to a report of two persons injured in a large crane. Upon arrival, the crew from USAR 6 (Urban Search and Rescue) discovered a male and female patient in the cab of a large cargo crane suffering from moderate injuries that occurred when the crane came to a sudden stop. Both individuals were unable to climb down to waiting emergency workers and due to the severity of their injuries; Firefighters were required to rig a lowering system, utilizing a hoist line from the crane’s engine room. This process was very challenging when you consider the cab of the crane sits a dizzying 200 feet above the ground. Both patients were lowered to the ground in a steel basket know as a stokes while a firefighter rode the entire way down to maintain constant patient contact and provide stability. Emergency medical care was rendered to both individuals both above ground and once inside the paramedic rescue. Once on the ground, both patients, who appeared to be in their 50’s, were rushed to a local hospital.
Fire fighters practice tirelessly for this type of scenario and have trained numerous times on the very cranes that were involved in this incident. A total of 24 fire personnel responded to this incident. The cause is currently under investigation.
Topics: Incidents | 26 Comments »
Big Rig Narrowly Avoids Plunging From A Freeway Overpass
By Jackawa Jackson | October 28, 2010
At 9:20 this morning, units from the Long Beach Fire Department were dispatched to a report of an overturned big rig. Engine 12 was first to arrive on scene and found a tractor-trailer perched precariously on top of a guardrail. The truck was located on the transition road between the eastbound 91 to the southbound 710 freeways. The trailer portion of the truck had already fallen, sending it crashing to the freeway on ramp nearly 40 feet below. The tractor portion dangled on the mangled railing. Although the cab of the truck was severely crushed, the driver miraculously managed to pull himself from the wreckage prior to fire department arrival. The male patient, who appeared to be in his 40’s, was transported to a local hospital in moderate distress. The force of the impact caused a fuel leak that was plugged by the Long Beach Haz Mat Team. The Long Beach Urban Search and Rescue Team, with the help of LA County Fire’s USAR Team provided emergency stabilization to the truck until several heavy tows were able to bring it down. The transition road remained closed for several hours. A total of 38 Long Beach personnel responded to this incident as well as several units from LA County. This incident occurred in the 9th council district.
Topics: Incidents | 29 Comments »
