HFD fined $15K for fireman’s death

The Honolulu Fire Department said it has been fined $15,400 and told to control workplace hazards as a result of an investigation into the accidental death of firefighter Clifford Rigsbee during a training exercise.

At a press conference Friday, fire spokesman Capt. David Jenkins said the department has adopted the recommendations made by the Hawaii Occupational Safety and Health Division.

“The HFD is dedicated to keeping its personnel safe while maintaining its ability to serve the public,” Jenkins said.

Fire Chief Manuel Neves was unavailable for comment.

Jenkins said the division found the department did not evaluate and control workplace hazards during the training exercise and did not make sure that safety devices were sound.

He said the department does not know how Rigsbee suffered blunt force trauma to his head that resulted in spinal injuries.

Rigsbee, 63, was on a sled pulled by a Jet Ski during a training exercise.

Jenkins said the department was criticized for not replacing the lanyard, which showed signs of corrosion.

He said the department has redoubled its maintenance of safety equipment.

Jenkins said the department was also told that its safety officer did not have a view of the ocean training area and could not determine surf conditions that could require changes or temporary suspension of training activities.

The department said it now requires two Jet Skis during training exercises.

Reached by telephone later Friday, Hawaii Firefighters Association President Bobby Lee maintained the department’s administration does not put a priority on its firefighters’ safety.

He said while firefighting is a dangerous job and comes with risks, more could be done to reduce those risks.

Lee said days after the accident, he asked the administration to put two Jet Skis in operation whenever conducting ocean training exercises, and the administration initially refused to take the action until the investigation was completed.

He said the department changed its mind after a few months when the news media began focusing its coverage on the use of only one Jet Ski during training.