MEC&F Expert Engineers : 07/12/16

Tuesday, July 12, 2016

Metropolitan Engineering, Consulting, Forensics, and Environmental Remediation Services. Construction, Investigation, Remediation and Forensic Expert Engineers


Construction Defects, Construction Claims, Engineering, Property & Casualty Investigations, Assessment, Site Investigation, Remediation, Litigation and Indoor-Air Expert Engineers

Bill Stephan, PhD, PE, CIH, CHMM, JD, MBA
Principal Engineer

P.O. Box 520
Tenafly, New Jersey 07670-0520
Phone: (973) 897-8162
Fax: (973) 810-0440



__________________________________________________



Firm Overview


The engineering and forensic firm of Metropolitan Forensics and Consulting Engineering and Environmental Services was established for the purpose of providing a high value service to the insurance industry and to the insured companies or individuals. Our founding principal (Bill Stephan) is a licensed professional engineer in several states, including, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Delaware.



We specialize in the in-situ remediation of petroleum and chlorinated spills, the defense of liability claims, the investigation and defense of first or third party insurance claims and the handling of subrogation claims.  We are also experts on oil and gas energy sector issues (design, investigations, construction oversight), renewable energy sector (wind turbines, solar panels, biofuels, etc), vapor intrusion evaluation, vapor phase and transport and in design on vapor mitigation systems.  Additionally, we offer forensic engineering services, including age-dating of contaminant releases, construction defects, oversight, evaluation of remedial alternatives, sub-slab ventilation system design and installation.  The list of our core services is:



  • Cause and Origin Investigations
  • Construction Failure Analysis (Residential, Industrial and Commercial)
  • Structural Integrity Evaluation
  • Site Investigation
  • Tank removals and tank installations; licensed and insured to perform entire UST work
  • In-Situ Remediation of Soil and Groundwater
  • Vapor intrusion, indoor air evaluation and mitigation
  • Causation
  • Forensic Investigations (age-dating)
  • Oversight
  • Review of Remedial Action Work Plans
  • Reserve Estimation
  • Cost Allocation
  • RAWP Preparation
  • Site Remediation
  • Cleanup Level Development and Negotiation
  • Subrogation
  • Expert Witness/Litigation Support
  • Licensed Site Remediation Professional (LSRP) Services
  • Construction Claims (Delay, Differing Site Conditions, Loss of Productivity, Acceleration, and others)

 






































Additional Specialty Service Areas

Age Dating
Boilers & Burners
Bridges
Building Codes
Building Inspections


Construction Accident
   Reconstruction
Construction Defects
Construction Delay Claims

Construction Surety Claims
Construction Disputes
Construction Differing Condition Claims
Construction Oversight
Construction Management
Construction Acceleration Claims

Construction Failures
Construction Injuries
Contractor Performance Issues
Corrosion


Defective Designs
Defective Roadway Design
   Evaluations


Earthquake
Electrical Accidents/Injuries
Electrical Equipment Failures
Electrical Fires
Elevators, Escalators
   & Conveyors
Embedded Software Hazards
   & Analysis
Equipment Failures
Errors and Omissions
Explosions

Failure Analysis
Fire
Fire Codes
Fire Protection Systems
Fire Suppression Systems

Flood Damage Assessment

Foundation Systems

Gas Systems

Hailstorm damage

Heating & Ventilation Systems
Heavy Construction
Highway/Roadway Design
Human Factors


Indoor Air Quality
Laboratory Services
Ladders, Scaffolding Falls
   & Failures
Lightning

Mechanical Defect Evaluations
Metallurgical Age Dating
Mold Causation
Natural Disasters/Weather
   Related Issues
Nuclear Energy
Occupational Hazards
   & Illness

Piping
Playground Equipment Injuries
Plumbing
Product Failures
Roofing Problems & Failures
Safety Codes
Safety & Human Factors
   Engineering
Scalding
Scene Mapping and Photographs
Sick Building Syndrome
Sports Equipment Injuries
Standardized Codes
Steam Systems
Subrogation Issues


Transportation Issues
Trips, Slips & Falls
Underground Storage Tanks
Utilities Expertise
Vibration
Water Damage
Windstorm



Mission Statement


Our mission is to work as an extension of our clients to expeditiously achieve the most economically favorable resolution of claims on their behalf and on behalf of their insured. We have developed and will continue to create new solutions to the technical problems and issues which are facing the insurance industry and the insureds today.  

Metropolitan provides forensic engineering work (age-dating or fingerprinting), site remediation, auditing, cost control and litigation support services to insurance carriers, their insureds and to private or public companies.  In its risk management role, examines, manages and audits environmental claims to ensure that assessment and remediation services provided to both carriers and policy holders are reasonable and necessary, properly rendered and appropriately charged. 



In its litigation support role, Metropolitan assists carriers and their counsel to ensure that litigious disputes are resolved fairly and reimbursement benefits are provided when appropriate.  The corporations service area includes the entire United States, with our corporate office located in Northern New Jersey.  The Firm's professional staff also travels regularly throughout the United States on assignment.


Forensics at Metropolitan


There are many issues associated with disputes over responsibility for cleanup. Who, what, when, where, and how chemicals were released can be investigated. The tools of forensic investigation include mathematical models, statistical models, fate and transport calculations, chromatography, lead isotope analyses, time of travel assessments, library search site characterization, tracer additives, and recently developed software applications.



Effective forensic project management should include an evaluation of multiple forensic tools based on site specific circumstances. The process of evaluation and the ultimate selection of the forensic tool are critical to a successful outcome. When project budgets allow, combining forensic methods for corroborative evidence can substantially strengthen your client’s position in an effort to prevent or support litigation. The effective forensic consultant must be well acquainted with an ever expanding list of analytical methods, environmental regulations, assessment procedures and remedial technologies.



The forensic field is one that utilizes a wide range of scientific tools to identify and characterize complex adverse environmental events. Some of the scientific disciplines involved in forensics include engineering principles (biological, physical and chemical), hydrology, lithology, geology, site history, site practices, mathematics, and statistics. These areas may be combined with technologies such as respiratory analyses, chromatography/mass spectrometry and chemical fingerprinting methods to answer complex questions with the ultimate goal of establishing responsibility for a particular event. Accurate, defensible forensic analyses are an essential component of any strategy that attempts to resolve the extent of the insurer or insured client responsibilities in the cleanup of contaminants.


Contact us online or call 973-897-8162 to learn more about our forensic services.



Property Damage Services at Metropolitan

Metropolitan assists property owners, claims professionals, businesses, and attorneys in   the assessment of the cause & origin (C&O), extent of damage and required restoration after pipe bursts, settlements, manufacturing and construction failures, fire, flood, earthquake, or storm damage.  Our teams of engineers have extensive experience in the many systems that make up a building including structural, mechanical and electrical systems.   We also have the necessary background to evaluate property damage to items such as communications towers or solar panels. We can help determine alternative, appropriate, and cost effective solutions for repair or restoration of any damaged property, both commercial and residential. 

Providing Competent, Expert and Objective Investigative Engineering and Consulting Services.

Our experts are multi-skilled, competent, and objective professionals who apply their analytical and common sense skills to reconstruct, determine the root cause, and document the events that give rise to property, casualty, and liability claims.  Thorough investigations and detailed measurements/research help us distinguish between pre-existing conditions and sudden and accidental losses.



 






























Our investigations are:

·         Comprehensive & Accurate

·         Legible & Easy to Understand

·         Timely Performed

·         Delivered Quickly

·         Cost Effective

·         Clear & Concise

·         Developed by Professionals

·         Dependable

·         Our own uniform reporting system saves time and money.


Our Fast Track Investigation and Uniform Format Reporting systems allow us to conduct and deliver a comprehensive response to the assigned claim.  In most cases, we will obtain findings based on a site visit, visual observations, photographs, interviews, and field measurements.  Further investigations and testing will be provided upon request and approval by the client.



Forensic Investigation of Property Damage Claims

Metropolitan Consulting, Engineering & Forensics understands your need to complete a claim investigation accurately and efficiently as possible.  Whether it is accident reconstruction, damage due to environmental forces such as wind, water, hail, snow, tornado, etc.; fire origin & cause investigation or any other claim, the engineers at Metropolitan understand both you and your client want to resolve the claim.  The analysis you receive from Metropolitan will be accurate and complete, giving you the information needed in the claim adjustment and analysis.

Our services have extended beyond the forensic analysis phase into the remediation and repair phase of many large loss claims.  Upon the completion of the cause and origin (C&O) investigation, Metropolitan can provide our clients with complete working drawings and specifications needed to repair or rebuilt damaged buildings or other structures.  Metropolitan Consulting & Engineering’ staff possesses many-many years of experience in rehabilitation design, construction management, and project oversight to ensure the loss is restored in a timely and cost-effective manner without sacrificing quality.  Building code knowledge allows us to identify possible code upgrades as needed.  Metropolitan understands constructability and realizes making an insured whole goes beyond forensic investigation and design. We pride ourselves in providing practical solutions contractors can understand and follow.

At the forefront of available technology, we provide professionals and staff capable of handling a variety of engineering evaluations.  Our reports are clear, concise, complete and efficiently produced.  Our engineering objectives are achieved in an ethical manner consistent with the traditions and character of engineering professionals.

Contact us online or call 973-897-8162 to learn more about our property damage services.


Extensive Experience helping Sureties

Metropolitan also has extensive experience helping sureties fulfill their bond obligations resolve disputes after a contractor has defaulted.  This work includes the evaluation of contractor bid pricing, evaluation of the contractor’s ability to perform work, risk assessment, evaluation of termination, construction completion services, claim and litigation support services, loss recovery services, evaluation of payment bond claims, negotiation and settlement of payment bond claims, and construction defects investigation services.  Metropolitan has provided these services for commercial, development, educational, and assisted living projects.


Construction is a business fraught with risk.  Disputes over even the smallest of issues can quickly escalate, with crippling consequences to the project and the parties.  Over the years, the construction industry has developed various methods of contractually allocating the risk of project delay and disruption.  Some of these methods include liquidated damages provisions, "no damages for delay" clauses, mutual waivers of consequential damages, provisions that limit liability, claims notice provisions, and provisions addressing responsibility for the adequacy of the construction plans and specifications.  Parties frequently litigate the sufficiency of these risk-shifting efforts in conjunction with the underlying merits of delay and disruption disputes.
Construction Claims & Disputes
The most frequently encountered claims include:
1.            Construction Delay Claims
2.            Disruption and Loss of Labor Productivity Claims
3.            Design and Construction Defect Claims
4.            Force Majeure Claims
5.            Acceleration or Compression of the Schedule Claims
6.            Suspension, Termination and Default Claims
7.            Differing Site Conditions Claims
8.            Change Order and Extra Work Claims
9.            Cost Overrun Claims
10.         Unacceptable Workmanship or Substituted Material Claims
11.         Non-payment Claims (stop notice (or Notice to Withhold) claims, mechanics’ lien (only for private construction projects) and payment bond claims)



Forensic Engineering Experience Case Studies


Metropolitan staff has developed and utilized scientific methods to assist clients in a variety of ways related to their claim issues. The following is a partial list of such projects:

  • Provided expert witness services for plaintiff seeking remediation of contaminated groundwater that caused indoor air inhalation problems;
  • Testified that engineering and scientific evidence was improperly collected and analyzed and was inadequate to show the age of the release;
  • Origin and cause of retaining wall failures.  
  • Lightning damage to structures or electrical systems and equipment
  • Roof failure or collapse as a result of accumulated load, additional weight and snow drift at hundreds of commercial and residential properties.
  • Demonstrated that solvents in groundwater at client's property originated from off-site dry-cleaner and that client's site actually provided remediation for the off-site release of dry cleaning solvent;
  • Expert witness for property owner impacted by industrial waste disposal from industrial manufacturer;
  • Demonstrated that environmental analysis by a previous consultant for a manufacturing site was inadequate; as a result, the lender's concerns were alleviated and financing proceeded;
  • Chemical "age-dating" and contaminant transport analyses of petroleum in groundwater at a gas station showed that contaminants originated from other parties;
  • Age-dated petroleum release at a former gas station to show that the previous owner of the gas station caused groundwater contamination;
  • Age-dated petroleum releases at an industrial facility to show that the on-site plume was the result of an off-site source;
  • Prepared age-dating reports for over one-hundred residential fuel oil spills;
  • Assisted insurance companies attorneys in defending subrogation claims; was able to demonstrate that the forensic data collected by the first party consultant were collected and analyzed using invalid methods;
  • Demonstrated that structural damage to a residence was from a source other than the alleged high lake level
  • Collected evidence (for the primary responsible party) that identified other responsible parties to share in the cost of a Superfund cleanup;
  • Review of the site data at a bulk petroleum facility indicated that the site releases were not the result of regular oil transfer operations and that they were caused by the negligent actions of the insured’s agents; the case was settled in favor of the insurance company;
  • Was able to demonstrate that the majority of the removal actions at petroleum release sites were neither reasonable nor necessary; as a result of our opinion, the insurance client settled the claim in favorable terms;
  • At several drycleaner sites we were able to demonstrate that the age of the release was much earlier than the parties originally believed; as a result, the insurance client settled the claim at a fraction of the alleged liability;
  • We performed numerous flood and wind damage assessments at commercial and residential properties.
Contact us online or call 973-897-8162 to learn more about our forensic engineering services.




Site Remediation Services


 Characterizing and remediating contaminated sites involve some of the most complex and difficult issues for environmental lawyers and their clients. Problem areas include responding to regulators; negotiating enforcement settlements; negotiating or litigating cost allocation and recovery claims; working with the insured or insurer client, lawyers and regulators to develop efficient, cost-effective remediation approaches; and selling, buying, or developing contaminated properties.



Metropolitan staff has developed and applied an innovative approach to the use of sodium persulfate for the sequential in-situ treatment of subsurface contaminants through chemical oxidation followed by enhanced biological degradation through sulfate reduction. This approach has broad applicability to a wide range of contaminants, and shows strong cost-saving benefits through reducing the initial volume of chemical oxidant necessary and enhancing the in-situ biological degradation of contaminants.



Through proper subsurface geochemical characterization and chemical dosing design, the approach focuses on utilizing the oxidant for immediate mass reduction at the source area, followed by degradation or polishing of the residual contamination using sulfate reducing bacteria.  Depending upon the oxidant activation method, this approach is applicable to petroleum hydrocarbons including both volatiles and PAHs, chlorinated volatile organic compounds (CVOCs) including chlorinated ethene, ethane and methane groups, as well as PCBs.


Contact us online or call 973-897-8162 to learn more about our Site Remediation Services.





Vapor Intrusion and Indoor-Air Studies


Vapor intrusion has received increased attention over the last few years near contaminated sites because some contaminants have the potential to migrate into nearby buildings and negatively affect indoor air quality. The accumulation of these volatile vapors in buildings can result in significant safety and health concerns.
To properly evaluate vapor intrusion a thorough evaluation of the building's ventilation system and subsurface conditions needs to be conducted by a knowledgeable professional in accordance with state and federal established procedures. 
The evaluation process typically includes a thorough building chemical inventory, the advancement of soil gas probes and the collection of soil gas samples. When indoor air quality problems are identified they can normally be resolved through the modification/installation of a properly designed ventilation system.
Metropolitan is well experienced with U.S. EPA and State vapor intrusion investigation techniques. We have completed numerous vapor intrusion and indoor air quality studies at commercial and residential properties. We have the experience to identify and resolve indoor vapor intrusion problems and the practical know-how to resolve indoor quality issues in an efficient and cost effective manner.
Contact us online or call 973-897-8162 to learn more about our Vapor Intrusion and Indoor Air Studies.




Metropolitan Engineering, Consulting, Forensics, and Environmental Remediation Services.


Construction, Investigation, Remediation and Forensic Expert  Engineers

P.O. Box 520

Tenafly, New Jersey 07670-0520

Ph.: (973) 897-8162

Fax: (973) 810-0440



Contact: Dr. Bill N. Stephan, PhD, PE, JD, CIH, MBA, CHMM






Insurance claim examiners, insureds, insurers, insurance adjusters and risk managers use Metropolitan for determining cause, evaluating the extent of damage, determining the age of the release, separating unrelated damage, analyzing loss scopes and managing restoration data, determining costs to repair, restore or replace, and preparing for insurance appraisals.



Attorneys call on Metropolitan for help when preparing for Litigation and Alternative Dispute Resolution such as arbitration and mediation


Bellaire police officer killed in motorcycle accident after he was hit by another vehicle in Texas



Bellaire police officer killed in motorcycle accident, Marla Carter reports. (KTRK)

Updated 42 mins ago

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Authorities are on the scene of a fatal motorcycle accident involving a Bellaire police officer in southwest Houston.

 



According to police, the accident happened on Ferris Street at Beechnut. The officer was pronounced dead at the hospital.
No other details have been released.

3-alarm fire within the Centennial Business Park in Peabody, Mass.


Peabody battling 3 alarm fire at industrial park

From Staff Reports
2 hrs ago


PEABODY, MASS. — All available city firefighters and equipment are battling a building fire at 2 Fifth St. this afternoon. Thick, black smoke, can be seen billowing from all sides of the structure.

A third alarm was struck around 3:45 p.m. The fire was initially reported at approximately 3:30 p.m.

According to scanner reports, the one-story commercial building was evacuated as well as surrounding businesses. Fifth Street is located within the Centennial Business Park in Peabody.


All firefighters were ordered to fight the blaze from the exterior due to hazardous materials inside the building, according to scanner chatter.

Flames were showing from the rear of the building and spreading up through the roof.

Check back for updates as they become available.

Pilot of Bell 407 helicopter killed after it collided with powerline wire at the TVA Customer Service Center in Folsomdale, Kentucky


Typical Bell 407 helicopters like the one that crashed


Helicopter crash at TVA site kills one
Updated: Jul 11, 2016 5:40 PM EST
By Krystle Callais
By Leanne Fuller


John R. Love (WBIR)
GRAVES COUNTY, KY -

UPDATE: The name of a pilot who died in a helicopter crash in Graves County Monday has been released by state police.

The Kentucky State Police says TVA John Love of Maryville, Tennessee, died in the crash. KSP says his next of kin have been notified.

The Kentucky State Police is investigating a helicopter crash at the TVA site between Paducah and Mayfield.

The crash happened at 11:23 a.m. The TVA site is near KSP Post 1 in Hickory.

The helicopter was a Bell 407. One person, the pilot, is dead. The cause of death is unknown at this time.

The National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration are on their way from Atlanta. They will handle the crash investigation.

KSP will handle the death investigation.

The family has not been notified at this time.



=================================


1 pilot dead in western Kentucky helicopter crash

Kentucky State Police say officers are on the scene of a fatal helicopter crash in western Kentucky.

The Associated Press

MAYFIELD, Ky.


Kentucky State Police say officers are on the scene of a fatal helicopter crash in western Kentucky.

Police said one person died in the crash Monday in Graves County. He was identified as Tennessee Valley Authority pilot John R. Love of Maryville, Tennessee.

Police said in a news release that representatives of the National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration are on their way to the scene.






Date:

11-JUL-2016
Time: 11:23
Type:
Bell 407
Owner/operator: Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)
Registration: N427TV
C/n / msn: 54106
Fatalities: Fatalities: 1 / Occupants: 1
Other fatalities: 0
Airplane damage: Written off (damaged beyond repair)
Location: Graves County, Folsomdale, north of Hickory, KY - United States of America
Phase: Landing
Nature: Ferry/positioning
Departure airport:

Destination airport: TVA CS Center, Folsomdale
Narrative:
The helicopter experienced a powerline wirestrike during a landing attempt at the TVA Customer Service Center in Folsomdale, Kentucky. The pilot died in the crash.
Sources:
http://www.kentucky.com/news/state/kentucky/article88903427.html
FAA
http://www.wpsdlocal6.com/story/32417430/helicopter-crash-at-tva-site-kills-one
http://www.kfvs12.com/story/32417505/1-killed-in-helicopter-crash-on-tva-site-near-mayfield

A crew member experienced a fatal fall from the hovering Bell 429 GlobalRanger state police helicopter during a training exercise at Delaware Coastal Airport (KGED), Georgetown, Delaware



Firefighter Dies After Falling Out of Helicopter During Training Exercise in Delaware
By David Chang


A volunteer firefighter died from his injuries after falling out of a helicopter during a training exercise in Georgetown, Delaware. (Published Tuesday, July 12, 2016)


The incident occurred Monday around 6:45 p.m. at the Delaware Coastal Airport on 21553 Rudder Lane. The Delaware State Police Aviation Unit was conducting a routine training exercise with the Delaware Air Rescue Team(DART), which is made up of volunteer firefighters throughout Delaware.

During the training exercise a pilot, trooper medic and two volunteer firefighters were on board a helicopter. One of the firefighters stepped out onto the skid of the helicopter and fell from an unknown height onto a grassy area below, officials said.

Police later identified the deceased as Tim McClanahan, 46, from Lewes, Delaware. Medics took McClanahan to Beebe Healthcare where he was later pronounced dead.

The Lewes Fire Department also released a statement on his death on Facebook.

"It is with deep, deep regret that the Officers and Members of the Lewes Fire Department announce the passing of one of our own earlier today," a spokesperson wrote. "Further details on remembrance services are to follow."



"The Lewes Fire Department is saddened to announce the sudden loss of long time member Tim McClanahan during a training exercise with the the Delaware Air Rescue Team yesterday. A joint press conference with Delaware State Police is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. today at our Station 2 located on the south side of the Nassau bridge. Service arrangements will be announced when finalized. Please keep the McClanahan family in your thoughts and prayers."
 
Gov. Jack Markell also expressed condolences:

"My thoughts and prayers go out to Mr. McClanahan’s family during this difficult time," said the Democrat in a news release. "He was an exemplary public servant, who volunteered to serve his community despite the risks of being a firefighter. The greatest honor we can pay to Tim and his family is to keep his memory alive, allowing his dedication to serving the public to continue to inspire us, while reminding us of the sacrifices our first responders, police officers, and firefighters make every day to keep us safe."

Both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Delaware State Police are investigating the incident.

Read more: http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/Firefighter-Fall-Delaware-Lewes-Millsboro-Training-Exercise-Death--386382671.html#ixzz4EEbgdnHU
Follow us: @nbcphiladelphia on Twitter | NBCPhiladelphia on Facebook




Date:

11-JUL-2016
Time: 18:45
Type:
Bell 429 GlobalRanger
Owner/operator: State of Delaware
Registration: N1SP
C/n / msn: 57184
Fatalities: Fatalities: 1 / Occupants: 4
Other fatalities: 0
Airplane damage: None
Location: Delaware Coastal Airport (KGED), Georgetown, DE - United States of America
Phase: Manoeuvring (airshow, firefighting, ag.ops.)
Nature: Training
Departure airport: Delaware Coastal (KGED)
Destination airport: Delaware Coastal (KGED)
Narrative:
A crew member experienced a fatal fall from the hovering helicopter during a training exercise at Delaware Coastal Airport (KGED), Georgetown, Delaware. The aircraft was not damaged and the remaining three occupants were not injured during the incident.
Sources:
http://www.statter911.com/2016/07/11/delaware-firefighter-falls-death-hoisting-exercise-police-helicopter/
http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/Firefighter-Fall-Delaware-Lewes-Millsboro-Training-Exercise-Death--386382671.html
http://www.asias.faa.gov/pls/apex/f?p=100:95:0::NO::P95_EVENT_LCL_DATE,P95_LOC_CITY_NAME,P95_REGIST_NBR:11-JUL-16,GEORGETOWN,N1SP
http://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/NNum_Results.aspx?NNumbertxt=1SP
http://www.aeroboek.nl/429/57184.HTM

Automated External Defibrillators Failed in Shelby County, TN; Court clerk Marzine Pegues went into cardiac arrest in the courtroom and died


Shelby County adopts lifesaving inspections after employee dies from heart attack
Posted 10:31 pm, July 11, 2016, by Stephanie Scurlock



MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Seconds count when you're having a heart attack.

In December 2014, a long-time Shelby County employee died after going into cardiac arrest while working at the Criminal Justice Center. Last May, WREG Investigator Stephanie Scurlock uncovered the lifesaving machines located in the county-owned building failed to work.

Scurlock is back on the case to see what's been done to ensure the Automated External Defibrillators work the next time they're needed.

A flashing green light should be seen at all times. There should also be an ear-piercing noise when the case is opened.

"That's a safety measure to ensure it's not tampered with and it will get someone's attention," said Dr. Ernestine Small with the Shelby County Health Department.

Both the green light and alarm signal in light of a medical emergency like cardiac arrest, these Automated External Defibrillators will work to jump-start a heart.

"That's the standard of practice. That's what's expected when you have AEDs, that you have regular checks to make sure the battery is operable," said Dr. Alisa Haushalter, the director of the Shelby County Health Department.

That's standard now, but in December 2014 it was not when long-time Shelby County Court clerk Marzine Pegues went into cardiac arrest in the courtroom. Witnesses told WREG deputies tried three defibrillators and none worked.

"I don't remember if that one was ever opened because at that point we had two that completely failed to work as they were supposed to work. So we just continued with the chest compressions until the paramedics arrived," Attorney Claiborne Ferguson told WREG in May 2015.

Pegues' family had no idea the defibrillators failed until a WREG investigation in May 2015 uncovered the problem.

County administrators admitted the batteries were dead. We saw no record of them being changed in the seven to eight years since installation, even though batteries only last about five years.

The county promised changes.

"It was like each division managed their own, so we made a decision that it's better that all of the AEDs and management and maintenance of those fall under one particular division, and it just made sense that would be the health department," Haushalter said.

Haushalter said Shelby County uses about a hundred AEDs throughout its buildings.

WREG asked her what the department is doing to prevent another failed defibrillator.

"At this time all of the AEDs are checked. Some of them are checked by health department staff and some by support services, but they're being checked on a regular basis, and that's being recorded."

Small oversees inspections. The CPR mask, gloves and, most importantly, pads and batteries are checked monthly. The information is documented and logged. The battery in the unit we saw her check is fine; the pads are almost outdated, which she said they are aware of.

WREG checked the AEDs on every floor of the Criminal Justice Center, the county building where Pegues worked. We found the green light flashing on every unit.

"They need to at least have one person be accountable instead of a lot of other people," said her daughter Robin Walton.

Walton is glad the AEDs are now checked monthly. It's something that wasn't done before her mother's deadly heart attack.

She said she believes the failed defibrillators caused her mother's death.

"I sure do. I sure do because it might have saved her life had one been working," said Walton.

The family filed a lawsuit against Shelby County government asking for an unspecified amount in damages. They're also hoping to finally get something else.

"The county itself, the mayor and all these other people hadn't written an apology, a letter saying they're sorry because my mother worked for them for 30-something years," said Walton.

Defibrillators are designed for a novice to operate; still, the county's new AED policy requires training for all employees. They'll also keep those monthly logs for two years.

Junkie driver Lawson Chadwick receives 40 years in prison for killing city employee after high-speed chase in Iowa



Lawson Chadwick sentenced to up to 40 years in prison


By KCRG-TV9 Staff |
Posted: Mon 7:07 PM, Jul 11, 2016 |
Updated: Mon 11:39 PM, Jul 11, 2016 

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG-TV9) -- The man who led police on a high-speed chase that ended in crash that killed a Cedar Rapids city employee and Palo volunteer firefighter will spend up to 40 years in prison.



On Monday, a judge sentenced 48-year-old Lawson Chadwick, of Cedar Rapids, to 25 years in prison for homicide by vehicle while under the influence of methamphetamine and amphetamine and 15 years for first-degree theft as a habitual offender. The sentences will run consecutively.

Chadwick made a statement to the court at the sentencing, saying he accepts full responsibility for the crash. He recognized 35-year-old Stephen Cook, who died in the crash April 2015, was a good person and feels very sorry for his actions.

Chadwick was fleeing from police after they tried to pull him over for a registration violation near 10th Street and 8th Avenue SW in Cedar Rapids. That led to a chase that resulted in a collision near 9th Street and 16th Avenue with the city vehicle Cook was driving. Cook died a day later from his injuries at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.


Chadwick was originally charged with three counts of vehicular homicide, but prosecutors agreed to drop the charges as part of a plea deal.

The theft charge stems from Chadwick having stolen computer equipment, tools, and other items from Acro Manufacturing in his pickup truck at the time of the crash.

SLOW DOWN AT ACCIDENT SCENES; YIELD TO EMS PERSONNEL: Another SUV driver dead after he rear-ended a stopped fire truck on Mike Padgett Highway in Georgia





By Staff |
Updated: Tue 3:31 PM, Jul 12, 2016


Tuesday, July 12, 2016 | UPDATE: 3:25 p.m.

RICHMOND CO., Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) -- An investigation is underway into a deadly accident on Mike Padgett Highway, according to the Richmond County Sheriff's Office.

The sheriff’s office and Richmond County Fire Department were already heading to the scene of another accident when a grey Ford SUV traveling northbound hit the back of the fire truck. According to the sheriff's office, the fire truck was parked in the center turn lane with emergency lights on when the crash happened.

The driver of the SUV was pronounced dead at the scene. Mike Padgett Highway near Horseshoe Drive will be operating one lane both north and southbound.
Tuesday, July 12, 2016

RICHMOND CO., Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) -- The Richmond County Coroner's Office has confirmed one person died after a crash on Highway 56 Tuesday and part of the northbound lane is blocked.

The accident on Mike Padgett Highway happened near Horseshoe Road. It's unclear how many cars were involved and the identity of the victim at this time.


TOO MANY CRASHES HAPPEN AT ACCIDENT SCENES AND AT ROAD CONSTRUCTION ZONES.  SLOW DOWN FOLKS.  LEAVE THAT POKEMON GAME ALONE.  YOUR LIFE IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN TALKING, GAMING, TEXTING WHILE DRIVING.

Two homes collapsed after a fire in Philadelphia's Germantown neighborhood, 6 people were displaced





Officials say two homes collapsed after a fire in Philadelphia's Germantown neighborhood. (WPVI)





Tuesday, July 12, 2016 12:26PM
Officials say two homes collapsed after a fire in Philadelphia's Germantown neighborhood.

It happened around 7:30 a.m. Tuesday on the 4600 block of Germantown Avenue.

One of the homes was occupied and the other home was vacant.



It's not clear if anyone lives in the home that was vacant.

PGW and PECO arrived on the scene to cut off the power.








PICTURES: 2 adults, 4 kids escape fire and house collapse in Germantown
Licenses and Inspections will demolish the building sometime today.

The Red Cross is assisting the displaced residents. No injuries were reported.

No word on what caused the blaze.

PEDESTRIANS CONTINUE TO DIE; BE CAREFUL OUT THERE: Pedestrian struck and killed in Prices Corner, Delaware

Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal crash involving a pedestrian in Prices Corner. (WPVI)





Updated 2 hrs 30 mins ago
PRICES CORNER, Del. (WPVI) -- Delaware State Police are investigating a deadly crash involving a pedestrian in Prices Corner.

It happened at 11:44 a.m. Tuesday at the intersection of Kirkwood Highway and Limestone Road

Video from Chopper 6 HD showed a silver SUV with significant windshield damage.

Police arrived to find a male victim who had been struck.

He was taken to Christiana Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The driver of the striking vehicle did remain at the scene.

The eastbound lanes of Kirkwood Highway at Limestone Road were shut down as police investigated.