Disciplinary charges after man’s death outside D.C. firehouse

WASHINGTON — Disciplinary charges have been spelled out against one of the five firefighters accused of ignoring a dying man outside a D.C. firehouse on Jan. 26.

Firefighter George Martin is facing four misconduct charges. He’s accused of failing to provide aid to 77-year-old Cecil Mills, stricken by a fatal heart attack, steps away from where Martin was on duty at Engine Company 26 on Rhode Island Avenue NE.

Specifications to the D.C. fire trial Board say that Martin “showed virtually no concern” and “did absolutely nothing” when he learned there was a man down across the street.

Martin had a disciplinary hearing scheduled Monday but the board delayed it at the request of Martin’s lawyer.

The charges lodged against Martin include neglect of duty; failing to assist the public; making a false statement about the incident and bringing discredit to the D.C. Fire Department.

Specifications filed with the D.C. fire trial board say that Martin was in the firehouse kitchen cleaning up from lunch when he learned that a man was down across the street. Martin is accused of deceptively telling his superiors that he “heard nothing” until personnel were dispatched to the stricken man.

The lieutenant supervising Engine Company 26 that day, Kellene Davis, retired before the D.C. fire trial board could mete out any disciplinary action.

Two other firefighters, Garrett Murphy and David Dennis, are scheduled to face disciplinary hearings later this week.

A fourth crew member, Remy Jones, is a rookie so the department can punish him without a trial board hearing.

Follow @WTOP on Twitter and WTOP on Facebook.

Federal News Network Logo
Log in to your WTOP account for notifications and alerts customized for you.

Sign up