WASHINGTON D.C. – D.C. Fire lieutenant involved in boy’s choking death to appear before a review panel

Last March, a fire lieutenant at the Wisconsin Avenue station was charged with neglect when a 1-year old boy choked on a grape on Warren Street. A far away ambulance was sent to aid the boy, instead of the lieutenant’s paramedics, because he had not informed dispatch that the Wisconsin Avenue station had been disconnected from the network. As a result, the boy was brought to the hospital after awaiting the arrival of the far away ambulance, and he subsequently died. The fire lieutenant announced his retirement early last month, and it was announced that despite his criminal charge, he would receive full benefits. However, the lieutenant is now being required to appear before a review panel before he can retire with benefits.