Fire flap

Today's Star carried a detailed story based on reporter Kevin Clerici's investigation of our investigation of the incident at Fire Station 2. If you didn't know that pictures of scantily clad models in front of what turned out to be a Ventura City truck ignited a blaze of press coverage, you probably just missed it because of all the important news about Paris Hilton's jail time.

Here's a link to the Star's coverage:

http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/ 2007/jun/07/reports-on-photo-shoot-at-ventura-fire-station/

The story is accurate. The summary of the Police Department investigation did not include every detail.

The media frenzy on this incident was triggered by two anonymous letters making allegations that firefighters invited these models into the Fire Station, posed with them and brought shame to the City and the Fire Service.

The prompt, full and fair investigation came to a different conclusion. Based on all the evidence, Police Lt. John Garner concluded that the participants in the photo shoot responded to the firefighters hailing them by crossing the street to ask permission to take photos in front of the fire truck which had just been parked with the station door open to the front. The investigation also concluded that shortly after the models shed and/or rearranged clothes, the station captain, who had his back to them, realized what was going on and immediately halted the shoot.

As in any similar situation, memories vary on this brief incident. The summary did not include each and every potentially salacious or embarrassing recollection or speculation. Both Chief Lavery and I do feel that better words might have been chosen to accurately reflect the initial contact between the firefighters and the participants in the photo shoot and take responsibility for that shortcoming in the summary.

Personally, I think there are three important things to keep in mind. One, the City conducted a thorough investigation, which has now become public record. Two, that investigation assessed responsibility for errors of judgement and failure to fully and immediately communicate for which disciplinary actions were taken. It also cleared the individuals and the Department of the sensational allegations that had been the subject of widespread press reports. Three, the individuals involved fully cooperated in the investigation and have taken responsibility for their mistakes.