September 6th looked to be just another day in the CHFD as we conducted training for the B Platoon at the platoon level. Ladder 24 was setting out from their quarters shortly after lunch to head east for their training when a tree service truck drove erratically past them in the construction zone along Rt 70 taking out construction barrels and nearly hitting them. Ladder 24 began to pursue the vehicle and radio it into PD. The Rescue Co and much of the Field Command Office listened from the kitchen of 3s as events unfolded and were narrated in real time by Lt Justin Brown. While pursuing the vehicle they watched it head into oncoming traffic at 70 and Kings before jumping the median again and crashing through the front of Lakeview Dentistry, an occupied medical office.

The interview you are about to hear was conducted at the kitchen table of Ladder 24 in which its members along with Battalion Chief Houck reflect on their decision and actions that day. This is part 1 of a 2 part series looking back at this incident. Part 2 will be released in the coming weeks and will include the accounts of Rescue Co 13 and further reflections by CHFD members on scene that day.