![[ NDCRT ]](/pix/ndcrt.gif){kind=small}
 |
 About NDCRT |
| Site News |
| Site Map |
| Hosted Sites |
| Acceptable Use |
 |
 |
| Quick Reference |
| Data Reference |
| Offsite Links |
| WA Emg Svc Map |
| Authors |
| Emergency News |
| Legal News |
| Search Engine |
| Computer Support |
|
 |
| Conferences |
| SFD Honored Members |
| Feedback |
|
 |
 |
|
|
MERLIN News Story"-->
Firefighter families file civil lawsuit against alleged arsonist Martin Pang Christina Brown, the widow of James Brown, and Karen Shoemaker, widow of Lt. Gregory Shoemaker, who were killed in the line of duty while fighting an alleged arson fire at the Mary Pang Food Products warehouse have filed suit against Martin Pang for his alleged role in the deaths. Christina Brown has also extended her suit to include Mary Pang Food Products, Inc. since it is believed that the faulty structure which is alleged to have been modified without proper permits or inspections, significantly contributed to the deaths of the firefighters. The civil suits were filed just prior to the statute of limitations expiration which would have barred the plaintiffs ability to recover damages for the alleged actions of Pang. The families of two other fallen firefighters, Randall Terlicker and Walter Kilgore are also expected to file a civil action against Pang. On 1/5/95, firefighters from around the Seattle area responded to a multi-alarm blaze which took the lives of four Seattle firefighters, touching off a scathing critisizm of the department's safety program and a multi-national manhunt for the suspected arsonist, Martin Pang. Pang was extridited from Brazil under unusual circumstances and has yet to be tried for the crimimal charges against him, more than two years after the incident. Commentary from sources within the Seattle Fire Department who wish to remain anonymous have suggested that safety issues, failure of the two-way radio communications system and a breakdown of the command structure significantly contributed to the firefighter's deaths. Making matters further complex, investigators were frustrated by the Brazilian authorities unwillingness to clearly state their position regarding the extradition of Pang. Brazil does not have a criminal charge which takes into account consequential actions from an intentional event. It appears, however, that the US Justice Department managed to bring enough pressure to bear against the Brazilian government, causing them to wipe their hands of the situation and return Pang to the northwest. Pang is currently being held in the King County Jail, awaiting trial for four counts of first-degree murder and one count of first-degree arson. He is expected to begin trial in April, where it is expected that he will not testify in his own defense. **As a personal, note: Having worked at the scene of the Pang Warehouse Fire, our hearts go out to the families and friends of these fallen firefighters. We can not begin to imagine the pain and loss which you feel. |
 |
All contents copyright 1996 - 2005 by Bob Nelson |
|
|
