POLK COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) – “We’ve got a caller advising there’s someone trapped inside the structure.”
That was one of at least six transmissions from a 911 dispatcher that went out to Polk Fire Rescue crews on Nov. 23, informing them someone was trapped inside a burning house.
Captain James Williams can be heard as he acknowledged this information in audio obtained by 8 On Your Side. “We were advised there is someone trapped inside the structure,” the 911 dispatcher said. Captain Williams replied, “Copy, responding.”
Meanwhile, 76-year-old Loretta Pickard was inside her North Lakeland home and on the phone with 911. “They know I’m here right?” Loretta can be heard asking. The dispatcher replied, “Yes they know you’re in there.”
Polk Fire Rescue’s policy, and industry standard is to have two firefighters on the outside before two firefighters go in. Deputy County Manager Joe Halman confirmed to 8 On Your Side that in a situation involving life and death, that policy doesn’t apply, which is also industry standard.
“According to policy, if somebody’s life is in danger, one person can go in and save them,” Halman told 8 On Your Side.
Yet, according to the radio transmission, Captain Williams sent no one in. Instead, he waited.
Polk County Fire Rescue Policy and Procedure Manual
Operations 600, Two In / Two Out, Firefighter Rescue 614
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