Escambia (AL) Deputy Fired After Leaving K-9 In Car, Leading To Its Death
October 31, 2024
An Escambia County (AL) Sheriff’s Office deputy has been fired after leaving a K-9 in their vehicle, leading to the death of the dog.
“The deputy finished a night shift and subsequently left the K9 in the car. The deputy later found the dog deceased upon waking,” Sheriff Heath Jackson said Wednesday about the October 11 incident.
After a preliminary investigation, the deputy has been terminated. The case will be presented to a grand jury for further review.
“I want to express my heartfelt remorse for this incident. Our K9s are invaluable members of our law enforcement family, dedicated to serving and protecting our community. Their well-being is of utmost importance, and we take this situation very seriously,” Jackson said.
The sheriff added that his department is reviewing protocols to prevent such a tragedy from reoccurring.
“Our commitment to the safety and care of all our personnel, including our K9s, remains unwavering,” Jackson said.
Burn Barrel Determined As Cause Of Bogia Building Blaze That Injured Firefighter
October 31, 2024
A burn barrel near the structure was determined to be the cause of a metal building fire in Bogia Tuesday that injured a firefighter, according to Escambia County Fire Rescue.
The fire was reported about 2:30 p.m. in the 800 block of West Bogia Road, near Pine Barren Road. Firefighters arrived to find heavy smoke visible from a large storage building full of equipment in addition to an active brush fire. The shed and its contents were considered a total loss.
An ECFR firefighter was injured on scene and transported by Escambia County EMS to an area hospital for treatment.
The fire was under control in just over an hour later, but firefighters remained on scene for extensive overhaul, cleaning up and putting out hot spots that remained.
ECFR conducted the investigation and found that the fire was caused by a burn barrel near the building, which started a brush fire that spread to the structure.
For a photo gallery from the scene, click here.
The fire was under control in just over an hour later, but firefighters remained on scene for extensive overhaul, cleaning up and putting out hot spots that remained.
The McDavid, Walnut Hill, Century, Molino and Cantonment stations of Escambia County Fire Rescue, the Atmore Fire Department, Flomaton Fire Department, Florida Forest Service, and a ladder truck from Pace were dispatched to the fire. The ladder truck was later canceled due to the narrow driveway and access issues.
The McDavid Station of Escambia County Fire Rescue responded to the fire site again just before midnight Tuesday for a reflash.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Century, Jay Entering Into Mutual Public Works Assistance Agreement
October 31, 2024
The towns of Jay and Centery are entering into a mutual assistance agreement.
The interlocal agreement, approved by municipalities, will allow for the sharing of public works personnel equipment and personnel.
Either town can request employee or equipment assistance for the other on a case-by-case basis with no compensation. The borrowing town will assume responsibility and liability for borrowed equipment and personnel during their use. Both towns expect savings and improved operational efficiency through the agreement, which can be terminated by either party with a 30-day notice.
NorthEscambia.com graphic.
Firefighter Injured Battling Metal Building Fire In Bogia
October 30, 2024
A firefighter was injured Tuesday afternoon while battling a blaze that destroyed a large metal building in Bogia.
The fire was reported about 2:30 p.m. in the 800 block of West Bogia Road, near Pine Barren Road. The fire was under control in just over an hour later, but firefighters remained on scene for extensive overhaul, cleaning up and putting out hot spots that remained.
A metal building of about 3,500 square feet burned, along with other outdoor machinery and items, according to the fire department.
For a photo gallery, click here.
The building was located down a narrow driveway behind a residence.
According to Davis Wood, spokesperson for Escambia County Fire Rescue, one firefighter was injured and transported by Escambia County EMS to an area hospital. An update on his condition was not available.
The McDavid, Walnut Hill, Century, Molino and Cantonment stations of Escambia County Fire Rescue, the Atmore Fire Department, Flomaton Fire Department, and a ladder truck from Pace were dispatched to the fire. The ladder truck was later canceled due to the narrow driveway and access issues.
The Florida Forest Service also responded with a dozer to ensure the fire did not spread into a nearby wooded area.
The McDavid Station of Escambia County Fire Rescue responded to the fire site again just before midnight Tuesday for a reflash.
NorthEscamba.com photos, click to enlarge.
Photos: Flomaton Safe Night Trick Or Treating
October 30, 2024
Families from across the area attended Safe Night of Fun with Downtown Trick or Treat in Flomaton Tuesday evening.
For a photo gallery, click here.
There were plenty of games, fun, a pumpkin carving contest, train rides, trick or treating, and, of course lots of candy in downtown Flomaton.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Tate High School Names Hall Of Fame Members
October 30, 2024
Tate High School has announced their 2024-25 Hall of Fame.
The 20 students are:
- Brooke Alvare
- Kaylenia Bailey
- Kaydon Biggs
- Shacora Caldwell
- Katie-John Crow
- Natalie George
- Hayden Graybill
- Madalyn Jarman
- Jayce Latzer
- Hailey Locke
- Aiden Maher
- Nicholas Maum
- Lily McArthur
- Liam Montgomery
- Christian Neptune
- Kaleb Posta
- Courtney Reichard
- Calum Sarfert
- Gabriella Smart
- Kara Wine
Annual Walnut Hill VFD Fish Fry Is November 9
October 30, 2024
The Walnut Hill Volunteer Fire Department is hosting its 55th Annual Fish Fry on Saturday, November 9, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the fire department. The community event promises delicious food, family fun, and the chance to support a great cause.
The fish fry has traditionally been held the first Saturday of November but was moved to November 9 this year.
For just $12 per plate, attendees can enjoy a meal featuring grilled or fried catfish, grilled chicken, baked beans, coleslaw, homemade bread, and a selection of homemade desserts. Door prize drawings will be held throughout the day.
In addition to the food and festivities, a blood drive will be held in partnership with the One Blood Big Red Bus to encourage attendees to “Save Lives, Donate Blood.”
The Walnut Hill Fire Station is at 7760 Highway 97, just north of Ernest Ward Middle School.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Northview’s Anna Kunke Win 1A District Title; Northview Team Qualifies For Regionals
October 30, 2024
Northview High School’s Anna Kunkel won the 1A district championship shooting a 69 at the Eagle Spring Golf Course in DeFuniak Springs.
Pensacola Catholic claimed victory in the competition, finishing with a score of 343 Walton took second place with a score of 413, followed by Baker in third at 418.
Northview placed fifth in the tournament and qualified for regionals, with a score of 441. Jay came in sixth, close behind with a score of 450.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
After Veterans Work To Clean Up Wall of Honor, Century Crews Power Wash Monument
October 30, 2024
Tuesday, Century workers power washed the town’s Veterans Wall of Honor.
The work started just a few hours after NorthEscambia.com published a story about two veterans that worked to clean up the monument after learning of its neglected condition.
Previous story:
Two North Escambia veterans worked to clean up the Veterans Wall of Honor in Century Monday after seeing how the Town of Century had neglected upkeep.
Sunday morning, NorthEscambia.com published a story about a veterans’ motorcycle club that held a small ceremony Saturday morning in Century to honor those missing in action and that have given their lives for this county.
Viet Nam & Legacy Vets Motorcycle Club member Kris Fleming, who spoke at the Saturday event, returned Monday morning to trim the grass and edge around the wall. Craig Stephens, a retired Marine Corp officer went by and washed the wall.
The “before” picture is above, and the “after” is below.
“Still not the greatest, but better than before,” Stephens wrote on our Facebook page Monday afternoon. ”Best I could do without a water source at the park. If anyone knows of a portable pressure washer who would volunteer some time to clean the rest of the brick and the concrete floor.”
Both veterans said they would follow up with the town about the poor state of the wall, and work to replace name plaques that are broken and missing (pictured below).
The veterans wall of honor was dedicated by the Town of Century on July 2, 2008, at the then Roadside Park, now known as Nadine McCaw Park, on North Century Boulevard at Hecker Road. The town’s latest budget (pictured bottom) does not show any money allocation to maintain the monument.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
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Navy Reserve Officer From Pensacola Sentenced For Afghan VISA Bribery Scheme
October 30, 2024
A U.S. Navy Reserve Commander from Pensacola was sentenced today to 30 months in prison for his role in a years-long bribery scheme involving Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) for Afghan nationals, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
According to court documents and evidence submitted at trial, Jeromy Pittmann, 53, accepted bribe payments from Afghan nationals in exchange for drafting, submitting, and verifying fraudulent letters of recommendation for Afghan nationals who applied for SIVs with the U.S. Department of State. Since 2009, Congress has authorized the State Department to offer a limited number of SIVs to enter the United States for Afghan nationals who were employed as translators for U.S. military personnel. Pittmann signed over 20 letters in which he fraudulently represented that he personally knew and had supervised the Afghan national visa applicants while they worked as translators in support of the U.S. military and NATO; that the applicants’ lives were in jeopardy because the Taliban considered them to be traitors; and that, based on his personal knowledge of the applicants, he believed they did not pose any threat to the national security of the United States. In truth, Pittmann did not know the applicants and had no basis for recommending them for SIVs. In exchange for the fraudulent letters, Pittmann received several thousands of dollars in bribes. To avoid detection, Pittmann received the bribe money through an intermediary and created false invoices purporting to show that Pittmann was receiving the money for legitimate work unrelated to his military service.
On July 12, Pittmann was convicted by a jury in the District of New Hampshire after a four-day trial of conspiracy to commit bribery, bribery, making a materially false writing, and conspiring to commit money laundering.
By protecting Afghan nationals who risk their personal safety to help the U.S. government, the SIV program is essential for the security of U.S. military and diplomatic personnel in Afghanistan,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Jeromy Pittmann, however, used his position of authority over the program to benefit foreign nationals who paid him bribes, falsely asserting that they had served the United States. Today’s sentence demonstrates that the Justice Department has zero tolerance for those who place their self-interest ahead of our national security.”
“This case shows how someone betrayed his sacred oath of office to commit crimes for personal gain, with no regard for how his actions could threaten U.S. homeland security and harm Afghans, who risked their lives to help the United States,” said Inspector General John F. Sopko of the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR). “It also shows how a U.S. Government investigation — from initial tip to prosecution to conviction — can hold individuals accountable for their crimes. I’m proud of SIGAR special agents and our investigative partners who brought Pittmann to justice, and I hope their hard work will deter others from pursuing similar acts.”
“Pittmann’s participation in this bribery scheme not only jeopardized the integrity of the SIV program, which protects our allies, but also introduced significant security risks to our nation,” said Special Agent in Charge Greg Gross of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) Economic Crimes Field Office. “NCIS and our partners will continue to hold accountable those who exploit government processes for personal gain, ensuring that the safety of the public and our warfighters is preserved.”
Pictured: Navy Reserve officer Cmdr. Jeromy Pittmann, then a lieutenant commander in Afghanistan in 2014. (Photo: Patrick Bordon/Navy)