Latest news with #Hagarty
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Yahoo
Dauphin County 911 dispatcher failed to 'escalate' call amid Governor's Residence arson, county says
DAUPHIN COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) — A Dauphin County 911 dispatcher failed to 'appropriately escalate' a call allegedly made by the suspect of the Pennsylvania Governor's Residence arson attack, according to a county official. Eric Hagarty, Dauphin County's Chief Clerk and Chief of Staff, confirmed Monday that the dispatcher's actions are 'being addressed internally' in accordance with human resources policies. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now On April 13, Cody Balmer, the suspect in the arson attack, allegedly made a 911 call to 'apologize' for the fire that officials say began when Balmer threw Molotov Cocktails into the Governor's Residence dining room that morning. The person claiming to be Balmer in the 911 call said they would 'confess to everything that I have done.' Balmer was arrested hours later and charged with multiple felonies, including attempted homicide, arson, and terrorism. According to Hagarty, the dispatcher who took the call received certified training approved by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency. 'As anyone can imagine, the immediate response to any sort of crisis such as this one was inherently fast-paced with first responders doing the best they can with the information they have,' said Hagarty. 'But as with any tragic event, it also presents an opportunity for officials at all levels of law enforcement to review the actions taken in the immediate response in an effort to identify opportunities to improve.' Hagarty added, 'Although this error in judgment on the part of the operator did not result in any further harm to anyone, we take the mistake extremely seriously and it is being addressed internally according with our human resources policies.' Governor Josh Shapiro and his family were sleeping inside the residence when the fire began hours after they celebrated the first night of Passover. No one was injured in the fire, which caused extensive damage to the residence. Balmer's mother told multiple media outlets that her son was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, but that no one had helped her when she contacted police in the days leading up to the fire. According to Pennsylvania Department of Corrections records, Balmer was recently moved from SCI Camp Hill to SCI Waymart, which 'serves as the focal point for the treatment of all psychiatric inmates within the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections.' Balmer is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on May 28. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
12-04-2025
- Yahoo
South Jersey man faces long recovery after random stabbing leaves him paralyzed
The Brief A South Jersey man is taking his journey to recovery one day at a time. The man has finally returned home months after being stabbed. COLLINGSWOOD, N.J. - A South Jersey man is home months after he was stabbed while out with friends at a Camden County bar. He has endured weeks of rehabilitation, but he's not doing it alone. What we know Fran Hagarty and his fiancé, Emily, are two of many friends, family members, and even strangers who are supporting Dan Walker and his wife, Brenna. "We're not looking backwards. We're looking forwards," says Hagarty. He and his wife were with Dan Walker and his wife the February evening when he was stabbed during what police called an "unprovoked" attack. It happened within minutes of arriving at Raccoon Taproom in Collingswood, New Jersey for what they expected to be a low-key Saturday night out. Police later arrested 27-year-old Tahaa Elmogahzy, of Collingswood, and charged him with first-degree attempted murder and other offenses. What they're saying Walker spent several days in the hospital followed by weeks of inpatient rehabilitation. The 30-year-old mechanical engineer who, friends say, had been training for a Strong Man competition is now paralyzed from the chest down. Hagarty explained, "It was as random as random could be. There was no interaction, no perceived slight, anything like that. Shakes you a little bit." He went on to say they're less focused on, "…how it happened, why it happened, who did what, and just focused on what's next." Friends, family helping Walker's friends and family have put together a fundraising campaign through the nonprofit called Help, Hope, Live. Donations are tax deductible and can only be used for verified medical and related expenses. In Dan's case, the money will go toward things like a mobility accessible car and home modifications, as well as, rehab equipment, etc. So far, they've raised more than $50,000. While Dan continues to make progress, he will face lifelong challenges that can be costly. Big picture view Hagarty says Dan is inspiring, "Dan is so determined and his attitude is so positive. Such a strong outlook. He's gonna do everything in his power - financial restraints shouldn't be what inhibits his recovery." Dan's friends say he's already talking about how excited he is to return to work. His spirits are high and he continues to make positive progress. What you can do Anyone wishing to help Dan in his recovery can get more information at the Help Hope Live website, here.
Yahoo
10-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
America's Firefighting History Is Restored And Celebrated In This Unassuming Barn
We might disagree on which supercar is the prettiest, what hatch is the hottest or what racing livery is the most iconic, but I'm sure there's one automotive opinion that we can all agree on: fire trucks are cool. Whether they're electric ones, enormous American engines or ones that fly, fire trucks are pretty amazing and one Maine shop is dedicated to preserving all this awesomeness. Maine workshop the Firefly Restoration Co has spent four decades collecting and restoring vintage fire engines. Andy Swift, founded the shop, which is set in an old chicken coop, and he's now given Hagarty a tour of his facility in a new video posted over on YouTube. The full film, which is available to watch below, delves into the history of American firefighting machinery, including old trucks, pumps, ladders and even some horse-drawn fire engines. Swift, who used to work as a professional firefighter, starts off showcasing a steam-powered fire truck from the 1800s that he's currently working on. The gargantuan engine, which looks more like a steam locomotive than a fire truck, was capable of covering about two miles and features an enormous boiler and pumps to direct water where it's needed most. On a walk around the site, Swift then highlights a Safety Sedan, which was a simple fire truck from the early 1900s, and a vintage ladder truck that can still raise and lower its steps with just one hand, despite the encroaching rust. Other trucks are slowly succumbing to Swift's growing 'lichen collection,' as he puts it, but it's clear that every one of them means something to him, 'they're royalty,' he says. 'They've worked hard for their communities and they've saved their communities.' Back inside the chicken coop, there's a meticulously finished engine that's nearly 100 years old. The 1927 American LaFrance truck served until the 1960s and Swift is now trying to keep it in the same condition it was when it left active duty as 'that's the way I like it,' he adds. As a result, the truck still runs and Swift says his boys even drove it to their high school proms. Swift has a few other trucks in the repair stands when Hagarty comes through, including one that's in need of some new cylinders for the engine. Once the repairs are complete, this one will also be preserved as it was when it last fought fires, which means it'll get a clean down and clearcoat to preserve the patina in its paintwork. While Swift explains that his shop can restore the trucks and make them look as though they've just left the factory, he adds that 'when you leave them like this, you keep the soul intact.' It's a fascinating walk through the early days of America's fire service. 'The fire engine really has saved us all,' Swift finishes, and after the start to the year that America is having with wildfires raging, I'm inclined to agree with him on this one. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
