Investigation into Ray Moreau’s Death in Plainville, Conn.
There are many unanswered questions regarding the incident that led to Ray Moreau’s death in Plainville, Connecticut. State Police report that Moreau was near a fire truck when a component became detached and struck him, resulting in blunt force trauma to various areas of his body.
Equipment Inspection Procedures
While the police have not disclosed the specific item that hit Moreau, they did provide insights into how frequently fire equipment is inspected. Jay Kelly, who oversees fleet maintenance for the Bristol Fire Department, is the go-to person for inquiries about equipment or repairs.
Regular Inspections by the Bristol Fire Department
According to Kelly, the department operates a fleet that includes eight engines, fire pumpers, two tower ladders, and multiple staffed vehicles. He emphasized that inspections of the fleet occur constantly as part of their ongoing maintenance procedures.
State and Departmental Inspection Requirements
Under state regulations, fire trucks undergo annual inspections by a third party, or whenever significant issues arise. Firefighters are also required to verify that all equipment is functional twice a week. On a daily basis, drivers conduct thorough checks, treating the fire trucks similarly to commercial vehicles, ensuring brake systems, lighting, and other critical components are operational.
Roles and Responsibilities of Firefighters
Kelly noted that the responsibilities of drivers increase significantly during emergencies. For instance, during a structure fire, the truck officer is tasked with deciding the appropriate hose specifications and water pressure, while drivers handle logistical aspects like hose management and communication with incident commanders.
Standardizing Equipment and Training
To improve safety and ease of use, Kelly is implementing engineering changes such as standardizing the fleet for consistency in equipment layout. He highlighted that communication and ongoing training are crucial for effective operations, with firefighters often informing him of any issues they encounter.
Ongoing Investigation
Plainville officials are examining requests for inspection reports on fire trucks. The investigation into the fire incident and Moreau’s death is still underway, led by State Police with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) involved as well.
