By Mila Besich Lira
As with any major disaster or tragedy everyone can look back and see how a community or group came together in support of the event. Following the Shipman Fire while Mayor Hosler and Chief Ingulli have commended the community, volunteers, Police and Fire Departments allegations have arose that Chief Bob Ingulli and the Kearny Police Department were not available during the early reports of the fire.
KPNX Channel 12 and AZ Central launched an investigative report on the Kearny Police Department. Their investigation highlights that KPD was not available during the fire, and did not have adequate coverage. The interview also uncovers another incident in November of 2012 when Kearny had a lapse of police coverage for three hours. That lapse of coverage warranted a letter from Chief Deputy Steve Henry of PCSO.
Copper Basin News, talked with Chief Ingulli to set the record straight on the investigation. Ingulli first commended the staff of the Police and Fire Departments for responding to the Shipman Fire. “Our departments and Volunteers in Police Service worked tirelessly through the fire to ensure the safety of Kearny residents”
Ingulli explained that while 12 News was trying to imply he was not in the community during the fire he did confirm that he was having dinner with his wife in the White Mountains and within forty five minutes of learning about the fire he was on his way back to Kearny. His neighbor in the White Mountains drove him to Globe where he was able to get another ride into Kearny with a friend. “I left my wife and our dogs at our home in the White Mountains” he said.
Ingulli also explained that, Kearny Police Department was the first agency on duty to help with the evacuations of the Stevens Trailer Park, with Hayden Police and the Department of Public Safety following shortly behind to assist Kearny Police Department. He further explained that the Shipman Fire was never in the Town limits and confirmed that that Stevens Trailer park is also not in the Town limits. Reports indicated that PCSO did not arrive on the scene until half hour after the first reports of the fire.
“This investigation {Channel 12 Interview} is nothing but a bunch of lies, they edited out my full explanation” explained Ingulli.
As for the November 2012 incident reported in the 12 News story, Ingulli explained that there was a day when there was a three hour gap of coverage but he had arranged for Hayden Police to cover in case of an emergency and stated that if something major would of happened PCSO is usually close by to assist as well. “I never assumed that PCSO would be protecting our town” he said.
Public Safety Departments throughout the state work under Mutual Aid Agreements which means they can assist one another in a time of disaster or emergency. “We have a great working relationship with Hayden, DPS and PCSO” explained Ingulli, “I have never left this community unattended, I care about this community” KPD has one officer on duty at all times and is backed up by the Chief of Police in most cases.
To watch the 12 News investigative report you can watch online: http://bit.ly/16ZWS7F