Firefighters FIGHT Homeless Guy

[@mikefargo4339]

This is the norm in California.... I was a 37 yr career FF in So. Cal and we kept our stations locked down because of the homeless crisis. These wac-jobs are always trying to break in, steal property, camp in the landscape or use our facilities. I and my crew were personally assaulted on several occasions... you fight them off, call PD and hopefully you work for an agency that has your back !

[@rainbowcharm2641]

I think you meant "wack" job. Lol

[@American-Motors-Corporation]

F*** them!

[@FarmerDrew]

PD says it is a civil issue? Well let's be civil about the way we kick the shit outta him

[@ltwtbaybeh3406]

Just for some background info, this man is notorious for hopping the fence and stealing at this particular station. He has been arrested multiple times and has even shown up with a weapon. He has a restraining order against him and still shows up. I’ve worked SOD at this station and had the “pleasure” of meeting this man who had no problem introducing me to/showing off the 17 y/o homeless boy he was taking advantage of (in more ways than one was my guess) to me. He’s a problem for the station and the community in general. The City turns away from this issue or they simply throw money at useless projects that only fill their buddies pockets (a shipping container home shouldn’t cost $500k… GRIFT!) The vast majority of politicians in LA are self-aggrandizing trash. They use their power/influence to push out people that actually want to the improve conditions for ALL Angelinos. I was born and raised in LA and so were my parents . My grandmothers are both from CA. I hate seeing what the City has turned into and I want so much better for it. I had the pleasure of having my turnouts stolen by the homeless near my old place. I saw another guy there with some LACo turnouts that he pilfered too! Just around the corner there was a “bike shop” with nothing but stolen goods! Just know that if you ever see a grown man on a child’s bike or with a another bike in tow, it’s stolen, lol. They have a huge encampment where we would constantly go on overdoses, assaults, rubbish fires, and auto v peds (they’re high as a kite or psych and get hit by cars). I just moved a little further north not too far from the mayor and guess what you don’t see at all… CRAZY HOW THAT WORKS! There are solutions to the homeless crisis in CA, but our trash politicians don’t want to make tough/unpopular decisions. They want to be career grifters. I could go on all day about this. Just one mile away from city hall you have all types of filth taking place. Drug dealing/using, human trafficking, etc. As long as they don’t seriously maim or kill someone nothing happens. AMA about this issue. I’m not speaking as a firefighter right now. I’m speaking as a Angelino that loves his city and hates seeing what it has turned into. Just a bunch of vultures picking away at the remnants of a once amazing city. It’s a fckuing joke now. No wonder people with the means to are fleeing the state.

[@Mr.Hun13r]

what, in your perspective, would be the most realistic solution to the problems of LA? Ty for your perspective and the background info👍👍

[@FarmerDrew]

When a walking dumpster fire forces its way into your life, you have to stamp it out

[@ltwtbaybeh3406]

@@Mr.Hun13r We have laws on the books for these things, but they're not enforced. They do it in waves. Echo Park looks amazing since they actually started enforcing tent bans. Also, we do not have a housing crisis. That's just a big grift by our local politicians. They have family members that get those big contracts housing projects. There are tons of buildings including hotels like the LA Grand in DTLA that are shelters, but they have rules... unfortunately people do not want to follow rules. Also (most importantly) reopening and putting funding into mental health facilities. Many of them were shut down in the 70s and we're feeling the effects of that for some time now. It may not be popular to commit people to these institutions, but many of them are completely incapable of caring for themselves and may be a danger to themselves as well. Get these folks healthy! Throwing someone in jail for being mentally ill solves nothing, nor does placing them in a brand new apartment rent free. The place goes to ruins in a matter of weeks.

[@Mr.Hun13r]

@@ltwtbaybeh3406 Your poor city :( thanks of the full response sounds like a problem made by politicians more so then anyone else.

[@rmp5s]

I too was born in CA and I lived there most of my life. Left almost ten years ago and you couldn't PAY ME to go back. SO MUCH would have to change before I'd even START to consider it. Sucks...CA is the most amazing state in the country in some ways. Too bad it's run by a bunch of corrupt dick taters. Hope it gets better, but I'm not hopeful. Idiots keep voting for this same shit. Is what it is, I guess.

[@footballmaster193]

I work for an ems company in NorCal the homeless problem is so bad whenever we open our bay doors for our rig checkouts we have homeless people trying to sneak in any chance they get. It’s pretty sad

[@sintenal4078]

Fellas, you can’t judge the entire situation by watching a video clip only a couple of seconds long. There is no telling what the perpetrator already had done, what history is involved here, who he had assaulted or what damage he had caused. The perpetrator was actively resisting and clearly had no desire to leave on his own.

[@herrflick101]

Exactly. Missing all context.

[@jasonwhitaker4883]

Well that’s the media for yeah! All about the ratings. The media is not are friend and they will do anything to make public service look bad!

[@SteamboatWilley]

It's very tabloid-style reporting: Show us half a clip and get a few vox pops from random citizens. What's the real story? What do the actual people involved have to say for themselves?

[@geoffhoulahan9099]

These firefighters absolutely have the right to protect themselves and the property, just as anyone has.

[@justaneditygangstar]

Not in California they don’t 😂

[@jackanderson2036]

Our SOP is takedowns only. Don’t throw any punches or kick unless your (or your crews) life is in direct danger. We actually had a judo instructor come to our station and teach self defense for a few months. Specially judo because of the lack of striking, it’s mostly grappling, throws, and takedowns.

[@The105ODST]

I worked security at a homeless shelter and every time firefighters and paramedics came we would all be on alert for transients trying to steal the medications and needles from the back of the ambulance. I had to tackle a druggie trying to jump into the ambulance and I had to hold down a tweaker while the paramedics were trying to sedate him. Not fun would not recommend.

[@bobbypratt592]

33 years Nashville FD, it happens all the time. You would be surprised at how often people want to fight firemen. We never lost!

[@AimForTheBushes908]

😂😂😂 This is so surprising. I wonder why

[@Wisteria_Village]

Honestly, I'm surprised more of this isn't coming out on the news, fire stations seem like a "soft target" especially in LA.

[@mdez1]

Fire personnel are probably hesitant to defend against these nut-jobs because it WILL come out on the NEWS, in the wrong twisted way as is the norm for democratic propaganda outlet

[@news603redux]

Protecting a firehouse with razor wire? What happened to my country .... {rhetorical question, lol}.

[@busyg67]

The firefighters were just doing what they had to (although i don’t know if the kicking was necessary but again we didn’t see the lead up) but it’s absolutely true that the homeless have been left alone without help and everyone will keep suffering because of it.

[@lucasbingley1735]

Sorry but you can't help those who don't want it, all kinds of welfare and homeless programs and soup kitchens, but they don't try and attempt to get better, immigrants to this country with nothing in theor pockets work their asses off and raise good families, how can they do it and not the homeless born here?

[@eliasthienpont6330]

He was not 'kicked' rather than pushed with a foot. If *I* kicked you, you would still be in the emergency room.

[@stang7043]

Depending on where you live, this is something you see every day. I have friends in career depts in cities in Jersey that see this all the time. From homeless sleeping/laying claim to reserve equipment, to when they go on a run, to come back and find homeless in the station sleeping on the stairs using the bathroom etc etc etc...

[@gwencrawford737]

I have no problem with what those guys did. If those guys were under my command... I'd be down at their station in a flash to inform their captain and battalion chief, that I'm buying their meals out of my pocket for a month, and having a letter of appreciation put into their jackets with my signature on it. Then I'd be calling the PIO in, to tell them to get a press conference set up, and I'd hit this fast ball HEAD ON... "We're firefighters. We love ALL our citizens, whether rich or poor, lawful or 'flexible on obeying the law'... WHATEVER... We do this job because WE LOVE YOU. We'll go out RIGHT NOW, to save ANY ONE OF YOU, if we can... But we're not going to put up with people breaking into our stations or stealing from our rigs, or abusing our personnel. Not for a single second. We are your best friends, when you don't have any friends at all... we're proud to be that for you. But abuse us at your own risk, because as hard as we'll fight to save your life or your property... we'll fight just as hard to protect ourselves and our equipment from theft or other harm, and we'll do it WITHOUT APOLOGY. We want to be on YOUR side... please don't make that impossible for us. Don't put us in this position, because we're not kidding. We WILL do what we HAVE to do to protect ourselves, and the equipment we use to protect YOU. These firefighters in this video, are all receiving letters of commendation for protecting themselves and their station from unlawful harm. The subject who they are dealing with, has REPEATEDLY posed a serious problem, breaking in, tearing things up, even threatening our firefighters. Their response was defensive and appropriate given the totality of circumstances. No, it wasn't pretty. Confronting violence, with force aimed to STOP the violence, seldom is pretty. You can visit our fire stations, meet our firefighters, check out our equipment, or come up to us on the street and chat if we're not too busy... we're glad to be of service to you, and we hope that our service to the community brings you comfort when you sleep at night. It's what we live to do.... it's what we love to do. But I highly suggest you DO NOT abuse us, or the life saving equipment we use, or our stations... because we're just not going to tolerate it. If a cop is there to make the arrest RIGHT NOW... we'll leave it to the cop. If the cop isn't there... we'll do what we have to do until the cop DOES get there. Any questions?"

[@tinderbox218]

Interesting how the station appears to be built like a walled fortress, gate, razor wire, etc. my guess is the cops don’t respond to calls like this, so people are forced to fend for themselves.

[@bentheguru4986]

Not hard to figure out some things when you look at the level of security of the property (station), Razor wire, security gates, high walls and looks a max-sec prison.

[@Grayarea321]

The entire clip probably wouldn’t create enough drama, so the media edits its to “create” a story.

[@swayzietimpson2994]

You've got to be a very **darling** human being to get people who risk their lives to save you mad enough to want to beat you :/

[@Texas.T]

The fire fighters should be given a reward . Bravo

[@RebelontheCrick]

An actual lead up would have been a little more helpful. But that's not how the media does anything. They show just enough, to stir controversy. It's what they're good at.

[@azul8811]

Exactly.

[@randyogburn2498]

Full disclosure I'm not a firefighter. But I do work around some questionable areas. If the firefighters could have secured their safety out of reach of this individual then that's probably what they should have done. If not, well police officers aren't the only career that deserves to go home alive at the end of every shift.

[@johnnz4375]

For some people violence is the only language they understand, I am sure they have asked him multiple times to leave.

[@sully8I]

Probably out running calls all morning, come back and catch this guy going through their lockers and their cars… while they were gone… He may have been a regular drop in that always wanted a cup of water or use the restroom… I’d like to know the reason why they gave him a beating….

[@jimoneal3]

Yes the guys were training rookies when this incident happened. He’s a known homeless guy that constantly harasses the guys. The Dept had a restraining order on him weeks before this happened.

[@acjfilms33]

It’s the media ofc there not gonna show the entire clip

[@adampottmeyer452]

You are far too diplomatic. IDC about the bum, I'm sorry that the firemen are facing internal and criminal (?) investigation for doing the right thing.

[@thesilentone4024]

Well I can definitely say the firefighters have it really rufe they dont need anymore bull. Good thing they just kicked him a little rather then arresting him again.

[@mtnride4930]

Fire stations are easy pickings. Those homeless see the engine roll out and they break into the cars and the station. We had a couple of our stations in So Cal broken in to while on a call got all kinds of stuff. Glad I am retired now after 30 years on.

[@5.56Media]

While a police officer, I was also a vollie firefighter. On two occasions I've had to physically "handle" citizens on scene until on duty officers arrived. One was an arsonist trying to escape, and the second was impeding upon the scene and acting erratic. It is what it is, but I can tell you that trying to restrain a combative person while wearing full turnout gear (and SCBA) is not fun. Firefighters have a right to defend themselves just like anyone else.

[@88clemoine]

Seems like a job for an inch and half line. Wash down the parking lot. Put the trash out to the curb.

[@hairy-dairyman]

I expect the bloke breaking in was trying to make off with the saw. The station looks like a bunker. Kinda sad

[@Mrquartermile]

None of us know the details. So all we can do is go off a short news clip (we all know the news will spin any situation to stir the pot). LA is a very dangerous place now. Do I condone violence or fighting while at work? No. But, if this guy was trying to do harm to them then all bet are off. I’d be glad to stand up and with any one of my brothers if they were placed in a bad situation where their safty was in question. Personally I don’t blame those guys at all. Unfortunately they had to protect them selfs because their government sure isn’t doing anything to help them. I really hope they don’t get any sort of punishment from this. The fire service is already drastically short handed.

[@fredrickdavis5746]

O it’s not there property it’s publics property

[@CDFCaptain93]

It used to very rare that anyone stole from the fire station but that has all changed in the last 25 to 30 years. The meth addiction problem is mostly to blame. People will still anything they can sale to get that next high. I once did shift change with a fellow firefighter and he told me his last call was full arrest in a very small rural community north of the station. He stated the ambulance arrived first so no equipment was used off the engine. After he had left, I proceed to check out the engine and discovered the medical aid equipment, power saw and a Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) that we use to breath clean air in heavy smoke conditions was missing. All this equipment was stolen off the engine while the first responders where inside a residence doing CPR to save someone and some lowlife used the opportunity to steal equipment firefighters need to do their jobs. Since then, there have been countless thefts from dozens of stations up and down California resulting in the loss of hundreds of thousands if not millions of dollars worth of public and privately owned property. I think it's time for the legislators to add enhancements for crimes that occur on public safety property. Theft from fire stations or police stations is not just stealing property, it could cost someone their life if that equipment is not there when it is needed the most.

[@DD30112]

Sad commentary on the state of society that FFs have to become LEOs to ensure their own safety. I Don't understand why the FFs were put on Admin. Or why PD is doing a Criminal investigation. Kudos to the FFs in general - but kicking was not needed. Now several trained and proficient FFs are on the sidelines instead of firefighting. All FDs need to create SOPs for securing their persons, equipment, and physical property. The fire stations should be "hardened" to restrict access to front of station only. Perhaps this will be a wakeup call to other FDs to create Plans of Action in their stations.

[@88cruzer1]

When there's an alleged battery or battery and someone is claiming to be a victim then a criminal investigation is going to occur. It may be that the FF's were acting in self defense. As he said in the video. Who knows what occurred prior to the video that was released.

[@jaredmcnamara50]

Homie fr got ran up and done up by the brothers on the west coast

[@silvercoastcorks3806]

Castle doctrine…their fire station is their castle.

[@nickbortz4270]

Our S.O.P. is call the Fuzz, If unable, try to keep them out of the station. If unable, Grab Hooligan tool and Brain em. (In my neck of the woods they may have a weapon.) Administer Aid as needed. The media wasn't trying to show them in a good light. That's why we don't talk to them. lol.

[@moemcgovern7345]

It's not any better in Philly. The Mayor says, he doesn't want to be the Mayor.

[@madspartan4369]

I'm in the army and thinking about getting out (I have a year and a half left) I've been thinking about becoming a firefighter are there any tips I should be aware of?

[@k_ruok9884]

Check out Firefighting in the Reserves or the Guard near where you plan on living

[@azul8811]

Stay low in a fire.

[@samlittleton1491]

solid work in my opinion.

[@sol-bo7we]

My uncle works at that department he is back as well the two guys are probies and could possibly be kicked for the fight he was hitting on the door and they got dry rated on by a health department person

[@johnromolo]

Are those firefighters wearing their wildland fire shirt with a structure fire helmet?

[@CB-px8el]

There is just not enough information to make a judgment on this one.

[@krakatoa8701]

Would like to know what happened leading up. FF's now going to be fired, or put up on charges? No win for them...

[@the_illist_willis4007]

good job. don't f with the squad

[@rainbowcharm2641]

If the country did something about the homeless this wouldn't be an issue but our Presidents continue to ignore these type of crisis.

[@406fish1]

At most of our departments, generally speaking, you just call PD.

[@mtnride4930]

Montana vs. LA, LA County, Southern CA. apples and oranges.

[@406fish1]

@@mtnride4930 Still would've been a good idea to call PD.

[@mtnride4930]

@@406fish1 that goes without saying. I am sure the Captains first call was LE and second call was to the BC And then came the paperwork. Fun times

[@SobaOfPulaski]

I am surprised that it being in California, those guys didn’t lose their jobs and the incident get labeled a hate crime

[@Stettafire]

Don't be that guy

[@justaneditygangstar]

Good 😂

[@DavidS-iw4ei]

I have worked at San Diego County Stn 43 in Jacumba, CA. You get a lot of border crossers & bad people doing a lot of bad things.

[@mroselli7482]

🤷‍♂️ I'm guessing he deserved to get tuned up

[@jakelikesacoustic8146]

My only complaint here is that as a man, you fight men 1 on 1. Three on one kicking a dude while he's down is pretty weak. It'd be one thing if they were just dragging the dude out but this seems like a little bit too much. Idk. I'm still on the firefighters side. Maybe handle it differently though.

[@Dad-979]

Castle doctrine?

[@brandonthedestroyer7649]

Definitely not in Cali. They are more likely to side with criminals. That's why they recently had a vote to boot out the DA in that area.

[@Dad-979]

@@brandonthedestroyer7649 true…. So sad

[@aldogomez2681]

That's good....

[@glassesstapler]

squaring up and landing uppercuts on a man, while 2 others hold him down... naw, they starting to look like Police. Be careful not to start sounding like police also. Firefighters are the true shinning example of proud, responsible and professional public servants.

[@Wildflower-vi4rs]

Exactly. I don't know their history with him but everyone else seems to know he is mentally ill. Instead of practicing their boxing and mma, maybe get him the help he needs. Not fire fighters too!

[@virginiaboucher2049]

We need to see the whole recording. It does look bad but there are two sides to every story.

[@ObinWangRavioli]

What the dog doing?

[@paulwalsh548]

He lucky he didn't come to my country and my station 2 guys heavily trained martial arts and one was trained by his dad who is a hand to hand combat instructor for the army, Sadly one did pull a knife the friend dis armed him and held him till police came. Mostly yes s.o.p you call the cops let them deal with it. But you have a right to defend yourself.

[@DavidLeslie65]

At a glance it looks bad but as you pointed out the clip is only part of the story and being you have a KZbin channel you know a cut here and a splice there any video can give a narrative for the view the person wants. The question is was the person filming trying to help the homeless guy or get the fire fighters to look bad. We will probably never know. As far as the roll out gear it would help protect them

[@lane6546]

Nah I'm perfectly fine with how they handled it. They are probably fed up with all the bs

[@AllMi3htykid]

They were right to try and take this man out of their station might have went a little too far throwing punches and kicking the guy but like u said in the beginning we only have this short clip to work with for them to be punching and kicking some extracurricular stuff had to of happened before the camera if this is a constant thing this station should have security or maybe even have a police officer patrol the area. On the other hand California need to do something to help the homeless population out there It’s a sad situation altogether

[@plantfeeder6677]

Make Asylums Great Again

[@hazelbell6984]

Self defense

[@SocialistDistancing]

California has turned to shit. Expect to see more of this as things get worse.

[@j2o3sh]

Fire stations are municipal property with municipal staff and housing specialized equipment. They are emergency services and such properties and facilities are secure locations in regards to operations to a degree. That being said the only thing I can think of as a reason these fire fighters were doing this was to protect themselves and the property and equipment they are responsible for. I would say though to an extent …. I would always try to withdraw from individuals like this and call police to remove them. Where I live if the fire service called in a violent person and they needed help.. the police would be there very quickly in the core of the city… but some places police resources are not so great so your left with dealing with some shit yourself. looks like this person whole was being dragged off property is known as an “arsehole” by many … legal questions come in from what the circumstances were and from this video … we don’t get that picture … hope everyone there is ok. just sucks because if these guys got a call… they are delayed by this and if I need help … well !

[@DRFelGood]

Just my opinion, first call the police & expect results from LE. Next protect lives & taxpayers property. If the homeless guy was stealing the saw, use reasonable force to restrain suspect until police arrive.

[@johnnz4375]

That is if they ever arrive, they are probably busy arresting a person who has misgendered someone.

[@mdez1]

A MAJOR part of the problem is, like this video clip demonstrates, we don't get the whole story. The media twists, forms, and reconstructs the truth to make it look like the problem lays somewhere else. Government says "Not My Fault"

[@TS-mq1fj]

These guy's should get a Commendation for doing more than Elected Officials have done.

[@ronthemogul]

Dam that’s not a good look

[@jb_A6]

Yea on the city of La for not addressing the issue and allowing this guy to continue to be a nuisance to the community

[@2TROLL1]

No', beating somebody on the ground isn't self-defense: dragging anybody anywhere is kidnapping: if it's not posted' he's not trespassing. I think they're supposed to call the police in these situations and let them give the beatdown. Doesn't look good in so many ways.

[@mtnride4930]

You have no idea what led up to this and the PD probably would show up 30 minutes later. Just from the interviews and the history of the individual he deserved an ass kicking and thrown off the property.

[@Stettafire]

Yes, aim to reduce the situation. Once on the ground, two people could pin him no problem until the cops arrived. You don't kick Aman while he's down, that's excessive

[@KunuMcGruder]

Yes, there are those in the homeless communities that have psychological problems. But contrary to the narrative, the overwhelming majority of the homeless do not have psychological problems. There are those who do actively try to find work and improve their current situations. But, the majority of the homeless that do not have psychological issues or any handicap, are those who have made bad decisions, drug addicts, or lack any drive to change, and have simply given up or won't try to improve. I know this because I see it daily, and have so for many years. I'm just being BLUNT. Those who are responsible for running the cities where massive homelessness exists, are failing their citizens, and responsible for putting their firefighters, police officers, etc... in these types of situations.

[@American-Motors-Corporation]

Trying to do their jobs overpaid sitting on their ass when they retire going to get 80% of their pay and benefits unlike the people that's paying the local taxes they're not going to get s*** when they retire!

[@skimmer8774]

Good. The bad need to be told only once.

[@cryptokid4869]

Don't worry. The LAFD will show they handled the issue by firing the probationary firefighter who was on shift that day at station 6 to avoid fighting the corrupt union who bullies probationary firefighters into paying union dues (even though probationary firefighters are at-will employees, they will target you if you don't pay). LAFD will just easily fire the probie to show they did something about this. That's how they actually handle business lmao. BTW, LAFD is hiring more scapegoats... I mean, probationary firefighters to blame their systemic issues on. Don't worry, kid. The pay is really good because you will never go home and see your family; we are currently grossly understaffed. Come join us so I can finally go home and see my family.

[@johnnyg2874]

No justification towards this behavior it’s unacceptable coming from la city the high standard they expect from their FFs completely goes against this video no doubt those FF need to be released the punching and kicking was not necessary at all

[@DavidS-iw4ei]

First off quit calling with homeless. A homeless person wants a job to get off the streets. Mentally ill needs to go to hospital. Use the 5150 hold if needed. Throw drug users & alcoholics in jail. You weed out the mentally ill, drug users and alcoholics out. Then you are left with bums that don't want to work.

[@fliptrip360]

That was not violent , fire fighter did nothing wrong according to the circumstances

[@Gino91481]

Ahh, gotta love liberal California.

[@eliasthienpont6330]

No I do not love them. If Putin drops a bomb on them is will cause millions of dollars worth of improvements.

[@terrycampbell6311]

I sorry put they should of call the police first if he was stifling they could have detained him with out kicking him that makes all are brouthers look bad especially 4 to one

[@eliasthienpont6330]

Once upon a time I was the maintenance man for the Franciscans on 31st Street (In NY). One such as this man was on the property and I asked an officer to kindly ask him to leave. The officer gently poked him with his baton, and the guy opened his eyes only to be face to face with the officer's horse. The skel (that is New York speak for a skeleton) fell off of the wall and has not been seen since. BTW: What ever happened to the firehouse dog. Maybe they should be brought back again.

[@bylersbanter9546]

These guys are definitely wannabe cops.

[@verticalmuscle5695]

Wouldn’t they have just joined the police dept instead of the Fire dept considering becoming a firefighter is harder becouse there’s more competition?

[@562FIREPHOTO]

Wtf you can f off. That bum broke into their station and tired to attack them. They were just taking out the trash. Can’t believe you can find somethin wrong with that.

[@azul8811]

I seriously doubt that. IDK about California, but here in that big city on the east coast, no one goes from the FD to the PD. But the FD is loaded with guys who came over from the PD.