Police: Boston fire truck that crashed, killing firefighter, had ‘unsuitable’ brake parts

Police: Fire truck that crashed had wrong parts

BOSTON — A police report that was part of an investigation into a Boston fire truck crash that took the life of a veteran firefighter concluded that a fire department contractor installed “unsuitable” brake parts on the vehicle.

The Boston Globe reports Wednesday that the report also says firefighters who were not qualified repeatedly adjusted the brakes in violation of national safety guidelines.

The contractor replaced a brake chamber and pads on the ladder truck with “unsuitable” parts in spring 2008, which decreased stopping power significantly.

The report said decreased braking power contributed to the brake failure Jan. 9 when the truck careened down a steep hill and into a building, killing Lt. Kevin Kelley.

The district attorney announced last week there would be no criminal charges filed in the crash.

Information from: The Boston Globe, www.boston.com/globe