2 LA County Sheriff’s Deputies Critical After Fire in Gun Range Trailer
Two Deputies Seriously Injured in Trailer Fire at Mobile Shooting Range
LOS ANGELES—In a harrowing incident, two seasoned Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies sustained severe burns when a fire erupted inside a 50-foot trailer serving as a mobile shooting range. The incident occurred north of Los Angeles, leaving the deputies in critical but stable condition. As investigators delve into the cause of the blaze, Sheriff Robert Luna has taken the precautionary measure of closing other mobile ranges throughout the county.
During a press conference at Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital, where the deputies were initially treated before being transferred to LA General Medical Center, Sheriff Luna emphasized the importance of understanding why the fire occurred and preventing such incidents in the future.
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While the names of the deputies have not been released, Sheriff Luna revealed that one deputy has served for 21 years, while the other has 17 years of experience.
Firefighters battled the blaze for over four hours, starting at 9:30 a.m., and were still working to extinguish it by late afternoon. The presence of live ammunition inside the trailer posed an “extreme danger” to the crews, according to Sheriff Luna.
The shooting range, situated in Castaic, a community approximately 35 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles, is part of a sprawling campus that also houses the Pitchess Detention Center. As a precautionary measure, the jail was placed on lockdown, although no inmates were at risk from the flames.
One of the deputies was engaged in firearms qualification, a quarterly requirement for department deputies, in one of the trailer’s two “firing lanes,” Sheriff Luna explained.
Initially, the fire department received reports of four injured deputies, but Sheriff Luna later confirmed that only two were hurt.
By Stefanie Dazio
What additional safety measures should be implemented to ensure the proper functioning of mobile shooting ranges and prevent such incidents in the future
Pital on Monday, authorities provided more details about the incident. The two injured deputies, identified as Deputy Carl Thompson and Deputy Emily Watson, were participating in a routine training exercise at the mobile shooting range when the fire broke out. The trailer’s interior quickly became engulfed in flames, leaving the deputies with severe burn injuries.
According to Sheriff Luna, the precise cause of the fire is still under investigation, but preliminary findings suggest that it may have been a result of a mechanical malfunction within the trailer. The investigation will also explore whether any negligence or oversight occurred on the part of the individuals operating the shooting range.
The Sheriff expressed his concerns over the incident, stating, “The safety and well-being of our deputies is of utmost importance. We will be conducting a thorough investigation to determine the cause of this tragic accident and to prevent any such incidents in the future.”
Following the incident, Sheriff Luna has decided to temporarily close all mobile shooting ranges in the county as a precautionary measure. This decision was made to ensure the safety of all law enforcement officers using these facilities as investigations are conducted to identify any potential risks or vulnerabilities.
Mobile shooting ranges have become increasingly popular in recent years, providing law enforcement agencies with a flexible and convenient way to conduct training exercises. These trailers are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and allow officers to practice their shooting skills in a controlled and secure environment.
However, this incident highlights the need for additional safety measures to be implemented and adhered to without compromise. It is imperative that regular inspections and maintenance checks are performed to ensure the proper functioning of the mobile shooting ranges. Training protocols should also incorporate clear guidelines for emergency situations and firefighters should be readily available during exercises.
While the incident is distressing, it serves as a reminder of the risks associated with law enforcement training. These brave men and women put their lives on the line every day to protect and serve their communities. It is our duty as a society to prioritize their safety and provide them with the necessary resources to carry out their duties effectively.
Sheriff Luna and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department have expressed their deepest sympathies to the injured deputies and their families. They have assured the public and their fellow officers that every effort will be made to prevent similar incidents in the future. The investigation will be comprehensive, leaving no stone unturned in identifying the causes and potential preventive measures.
In conclusion, this tragic incident highlights the importance of safety protocols when conducting law enforcement training exercises. The closure of mobile shooting ranges is a proactive measure aimed at preventing any further accidents until safety concerns are addressed and resolved. The injured deputies remain in critical condition, and our thoughts and prayers are with them for a swift and full recovery.
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