Latest news with #FlaglerCountyFireRescue
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Brush fire breaks out in Bunnell, fire officials on scene
VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. - A brush fire broke out Thursday along County Road 305 in Bunnell, prompting a significant response from local and state fire crews, according to Flagler County Fire Marshal Jerry Smith. Twelve Florida Forest Service bulldozers, a helicopter from Flagler County Fire Rescue, a Class A fire engine, and two Type 6 attack trucks were dispatched to the scene to battle the blaze, Smith said. What we don't know Further details on the fire's size, cause or containment status were not immediately released. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO: Download the FOX Local app for breaking news alerts, the latest news headlines Download the FOX 35 Storm Team Weather app for weather alerts & radar Sign up for FOX 35's daily newsletter for the latest morning headlines FOX Local: Stream FOX 35 newscasts, FOX 35 News+, Central Florida Eats on your smart TV The Source The information in this article comes from Flagler County Fire Rescue.
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Yahoo
Flagler County deputies save man attempting to jump off I-95 overpass, FCSO says
The Flagler County Sheriff's Office says deputies saved a man who was threatening to jump off the I-95 overpass above State Road 100 in Palm Coast. According to the sheriff's office, calls came in Wednesday afternoon about a man sitting on the bridge drinking, making obscene gestures, and motioning that he was going to jump. Deputies arrived at the scene along with members of the Florida Highway Patrol, Flagler County Fire Rescue, Palm Coast Fire Department, and Flagler Beach Police Department. Deputies shut down I-95 and State Road 100 in all directions while the FCSO Crisis Negotiations Team talked with the man. Firefighters brought up a ladder truck while crisis negotiators spoke with the man. FCSO says after a lengthy conversation, deputies and firefighters brought the man down from the overpass and placed him into protective custody under the Baker Act. The sheriff's office says the man previously made the same threat at Palm Coast Parkway and I-95. 'I am thankful to see this situation was resolved safely with no one getting hurt,' says Sheriff Rick Staly. 'I hope that this guy is able to get the help he needs. This rescue was truly a team effort. Thanks to our deputies' quick response, our well-trained Crisis Negotiations Team, and coordination with our partner agencies, we saved a life today. It is unfortunate that so many drivers were delayed but the important part is a life was saved.' If you or someone you know needs help, call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
Yahoo
07-03-2025
- Yahoo
Ex-Florida paramedic accused of sexually battering woman in ambulance, now facing fraud charges: officials
The Brief James Melady, an ex-Florida first responder, who was previously arrested for sexually battering an unconscious woman in the back of an ambulance last year, is now facing new fraud charges, authorities announced Thursday. Melady now faces additional charges of fraudulent use of personal identification without consent and unlawful possession of a stolen credit card. FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. - A former Florida first responder, previously arrested for sexually battering an unconscious woman in the back of an ambulance last year, is now facing additional fraud charges, authorities announced Thursday. James Melady, who was already being held without bond in the Flagler County jail from his September 2024 case, was rearrested on a warrant for fraudulent use of personal identification without consent and unlawful possession of a stolen credit card, according to the Flagler County Sheriff's Office. The backstory Melady is a former Flagler County Fire Rescue employee who was arrested in September 2024, for allegedly sexually assaulting an unconscious victim in an ambulance that he was supposed to be transporting to a local hospital. Authorities said he was under investigation by the Daytona Beach Police Department for alleged sexual offenses, and retired from his paramedic duties with Flagler County Fire Rescue earlier that year. During that investigation, detectives found two video clips on a cell phone that allegedly showed Melady assaulting the unconscious woman inside an ambulance, authorities said. Daytona Beach Police then contacted the Flagler County Sheriff's Office. Detectives met with the woman, "who was completely unaware of being attacked," the sheriff's office said. New details On Thursday, deputies revealed that during their investigation, detectives determined Melady had defrauded multiple victims by stealing their credit cards and identification while performing his duties as a paramedic. The lead detective found that Melady stole debit cards and personal information from victims who were experiencing medical emergencies and used them to make fraudulent purchases. Three victims were identified in total, including a 92-year-old woman who had fallen and needed transportation to a local hospital. In that incident, investigators said the woman's purse was given to Melady to bring to the hospital. However, before returning it, he allegedly took her debit card without her knowledge and made two purchases, totaling over $700, at Sam's Club in Daytona Beach, authorities said. What they're saying The Flagler County Administration released the following statement on Friday regarding Melady's additional charges: "Flagler County has been made aware of the criminal charges filed against a former employee who previously served as a Firefighter/Paramedic with our organization. These charges, which involve allegations of fraudulent use of a credit card belonging to an elderly patient under their care, stem from an incident that occurred while the individual was employed with us. We take these allegations seriously and are cooperating fully with the Flagler County Sheriff's Office as they conduct their investigation. Our organization is committed to the highest standards of ethical conduct and public trust. The actions of any one individual do not reflect the integrity and dedication of the hardworking members of our team who serve our community with professionalism and compassion every day." STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO: Download the FOX Local app for breaking news alerts, the latest news headlines Download the FOX 35 Storm Team Weather app for weather alerts & radar Sign up for FOX 35's daily newsletter for the latest morning headlines FOX Local:Stream FOX 35 newscasts, FOX 35 News+, Central Florida Eats on your smart TV The Source This story was written based on information shared by the Flagler County Sheriff's Office on March 6, 2025. The Flagler County Administration provided a statement regarding the new fraud charges on March 7, 2025.
