Forest Ranger Assaulted Responding To Wildfire; Property Owner Arrested

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Forest Ranger Assaulted Responding To Wildfire; Property Owner Arrested

Nov 27, 2006 03:54 PM EST


Forest Ranger Assaulted Responding To Wildfire; Property Owner Arrested


A forest ranger technician for the Kentucky Division of Forestry was assaulted Sunday while responding to a wildfire in Cumberland County, according to a release from the Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet.

According to the release, Ranger Ken Brown was dispatched to a fire on Sulphur Creek Road near Burkesville. When he attempted to put the fire out, the property owner, Todd Anderson, refused to let Brown control the fire. Anderson ordered Brown off the property, then struck him with a metal pipe. Anderson also broke a window and damaged a door on Brown's KDF truck.

Brown left the property and called for law enforcement assistance. Cumberland County sheriff's officers arrested Anderson on charges of third-degree assault, a felony, and interfering with a forest warden. In addition, the KDF issued a citation against Anderson for failing to take reasonable care and precaution to prevent the escape or spread of a fire.

"We are very concerned about the safety of our firefighters. This is just another example of how dangerous this job is," KDF Director Leah MacSwords said.

Brown was treated at a local hospital and released.

[Alabaster]

It's a shame that this happened. Don't expect to be physically attacked on a fire call. Hope Ranger Brown recovers quickly.

Keep heads up out there.

[the1141man]

Ranger Ken Brown was dispatched to a fire on Sulphur Creek Road near Burkesville. When he attempted to put the fire out, the property owner, Todd Anderson, refused to let Brown control the fire. Anderson ordered Brown off the property, then struck him with a metal pipe. Anderson also broke a window and damaged a door on Brown's KDF truck.

Brown left the property and called for law enforcement assistance. Cumberland County sheriff's officers arrested Anderson on charges of third-degree assault, a felony, and interfering with a forest warden. In addition, the KDF issued a citation against Anderson for failing to take reasonable care and precaution to prevent the escape or spread of a fire.

So was he a Ranger or a Firefighter? Around these parts, Rangers (excepting certain NPS classifications) are peace officers...attempting to beat one with a metal pipe would probably result in being shot by said Ranger.

It's a shame that this happened. Don't expect to be physically attacked on a fire call.

Agreed on the first...but as to the second--expect anything on calls nowadays. Whether it's the farmer who attacks you for putting out his illegal control burn, or the reported structure fire where a meth-head comes running out, shotgun, knives, whatever, in hand to "deter" you from his precious lab, or even the suicidal person who decides that they'd rather take you out than themself...just emphasizes the point that not everyone views the Firefighter as "friend" these days, and you need to exercise "Officer Safety" (ie--Captain in the cab first! ).

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In Kentucky Division of Forestry Rangers

So was he a Ranger or a Firefighter? Around these parts, Rangers (excepting certain NPS classifications) are peace officers...attempting to beat one with a metal pipe would probably result in being shot by said Ranger.



Agreed on the first...but as to the second--expect anything on calls nowadays. Whether it's the farmer who attacks you for putting out his illegal control burn, or the reported structure fire where a meth-head comes running out, shotgun, knives, whatever, in hand to "deter" you from his precious lab, or even the suicidal person who decides that they'd rather take you out than themself...just emphasizes the point that not everyone views the Firefighter as "friend" these days, and you need to exercise "Officer Safety" (ie--Captain in the cab first! ).

In kentucky a ranger with the KY Division of Forestry are firefighters with some limited law enforcement powers.They are unarmed and can cite for violations of outdoor burning and logging laws!