French Firefighter shot and killed during well-being check

[Bunkers 0]

An 85-year-old man who is hard of hearing mistook a 32 year old Firefighter for

a burglar and shot him to death in the southern French city of Belley yesterday.

Neighbors had called the fire department because they were worried about the health

of the old man. When he did not respond to shouts at the door, the Firefighters

forced entry into the apartment. The man mistook the noise for a break-in, locked

himself in a room and fired a shot that struck and killed one of the firefighters

in the Line of Duty. The occupant, who collapsed upon being informed of his error,

was taken into police custody.

-The Secret List

This is something that Ive never really thought of but will definitely think about from now on.

[helicopper 1,050]

An 85-year-old man who is hard of hearing mistook a 32 year old Firefighter for

a burglar and shot him to death in the southern French city of Belley yesterday.

Neighbors had called the fire department because they were worried about the health

of the old man. When he did not respond to shouts at the door, the Firefighters

forced entry into the apartment. The man mistook the noise for a break-in, locked

himself in a room and fired a shot that struck and killed one of the firefighters

in the Line of Duty. The occupant, who collapsed upon being informed of his error,

was taken into police custody.

-The Secret List

This is something that Ive never really thought of but will definitely think about from now on.

A tragic accident.

Never assume that people know you're the good guys!!

[Tapout 42]

And never assume that person even CARES if you're a good guy.

How horribly tragic- for the firefighter and for this old man.

[Guest]

A sad day for all!!! RIP brother

[Paul J DeBartolomeo 0]

Anyone know how they gained entry?

[FFFORD 27]

Anyone know how they gained entry?

Forced entry

i would guess they forced the front door

[JCESU 20]

"Never assume that people know you're the good guys!!"

We drill this into the heads of all guys that are new to the unit. And always take into consideration when making a medical forced entry along with the possibility that the person may have a canine in their apartment/home. Make as much noise as possible and ANNOUNCE your presence etc.. but in this case not sure it would have helped unfortunately. Tragic ending.. RIP

[Paul J DeBartolomeo 0]

The only reason I ask is because we have debated entry techniques on this site. This is yet another reason why I use the Irons on all forced entry runs, they make a hell of alot of noise. As was stated dont know if would of made a difference hear but it may to someone some day. Using the ram or thru the lock are good but you better clearly announce yourself. I know sometimes we send a guy in off the fire escape, not a big fan for this very reason. Someone coming in from a window could easily be mistaken for a criminal.

Condolences to the fallen Brother and the elderly gentleman involved