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AARON HALE

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Recent Work

Emergency? Rivalry between EMS, fire departments not as entrenched elsewhere Published 12/10/2011 at 9 p.m.
Agency leaders – most notably those in the North Naples Fire Control and Rescue District and Collier EMS — have long clashed over the role of firefighters in medical emergencies. It's not that way in King County, Wash., or Broward ...
1 injured in fire at Naples substance abuse treatment center Updated 10/31/2011 at 7:19 p.m.
Naples firefighters put out flames at a substance abuse treatment center Sunday night that investigators believe was started intentionally.
East Naples residents to vote on tax increase in 2012 Published 10/26/2011 at 7:05 p.m.
The East Naples Fire Control and Rescue District fire board voted unanimously tonight to send a ballot referendum to voters asking for an increase from $1.5 to $2 per $1,000 worth of taxable property value.
NCH will no longer transport patients between hospitals after Marco man's wait, death Updated 10/21/2011 at 10:43 p.m.
NCH Healthcare Systems has notified Collier County it would no longer transport patients between hospitals after a mishandled transport in Marco Island earlier this month ended in the death of an 80-year-old man. County manager Leo Ochs confirmed that he ...
Florida Highway Patrol trooper fired after DUI arrest in Naples Updated 10/21/2011 at 7:21 p.m.
John Wilcox was terminated by FHP the same day, agency spokesman Mark Brown said. Naples police pulled over a white truck on U.S. 41 and Harbour Drive after reports the truck struck a tree near Gulf Shore Boulevard, according to ...
Fort Myers jury favors Big Tobacco in John Syzmanski smoking case Published 10/20/2011 at 11:03 p.m. 3 Comments
John “Jack” Syzmanski, now a 72-year-old Fort Myers resident, claimed his smoking habit caused laryngeal cancer, which forced him to end his education career. Syzmanski, who started smoking when he was 11 years old, has been diagnosed with cancer three ...
Marco officials call for state investigation in delayed ambulance case Published 10/20/2011 at 10:44 p.m. 4 Comments
A 65-page report from the Marco Island Fire Rescue Department, which was sent to the Florida Bureau of Emergency Medical Services, concludes that the NCH Healthcare System may have violated promises to the c
Marco officials call for state investigation in delayed ambulance case Published 10/20/2011 at 5:29 p.m. 1 Comment
A report from the Marco Island Fire Rescue Department, which was sent to the State Bureau of EMS, concludes that NCH may have violated its obligations to have an ambulance crew available to transport patients between hospitals and Collier County ...
Parents of North Naples man accused of butchering woman: 'Stay away from her' Published 10/19/2011 at 10:17 p.m. 1 Comment
Though no one predicted Bishop’s grisly death, those who knew Serna, 34, said they were concerned about a potentially problematic relationship between him and Bishop. “I told him she looked like trouble, (to) stay away from her,” Adelina Serna, the ...
Rain continues to drench region; Up next: cold front Published 10/18/2011 at 9:01 p.m.
That system was expected to merge with a rapidly moving cold front heading south Tuesday night, forecasters said. “Those two are going to be a double whammy,” NBC-2 Senior Meteorologist Haley Webb said. Flooding could continue to be a problem.
Rain from tropical system expected through Wednesday Published 10/17/2011 at 10:35 p.m.
“The soil is very saturated and it won’t take much rain to cause problems,” said Joel Ruthfuss, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service. However, meteorologists predict that the potential for flooding should lessen throughout the day.
Bonita firefighters honored for saving one of their own Published 10/10/2011 at 9:10 p.m.
“It is probably one of the worst calls I’ve had and it is probably one of my best calls,” said Lt. Keith VanGelder, one of the Bonita Springs firefighter-paramedics who helped revive Calero. “Basically all the training kicks in,” he ...
Marco officer fired for role in August car crash Published 10/07/2011 at 7:11 p.m. 72 Comments
Marco Island Police Chief Don Hunter terminated Officer Ed d’Allesandro after an investigation revealed d’Allesandro was driving a police vehicle 80 mph in a 35 mph zone without emergency lights or sirens in August prior to crashing his vehicle with ...
Local leaders applaud new bus line connecting Collier, Lee Published 10/06/2011 at 8:17 p.m. 1 Comment
“People talk about public transit,” Lee commissioner Ray Judah said. “We’ve heard so much from the naysayers. This is not a small step. This is a huge step.”
Investigators mum on details of early morning shooting in Bonita Updated 10/06/2011 at 8:02 p.m.
Lee County sheriff’s detectives are investigating an early morning shooting in Bonita Springs. A man was shot on Brink Circle, near the intersection of U.S. 41 and Bonita Beach Road, between 2 a.m. and 2:30 a.m., according to Sgt. Stephanie ...
All four lanes of Jolley Bridge open to traffic Updated 10/05/2011 at 9:58 p.m. 8 Comments
The straight and narrow path to get to and from Marco Island is getting wider Wednesday.
East Naples' new fire chief retiring this week Updated 09/27/2011 at 9:33 p.m.
Keith Teague, East Naples' newly appointed fire chief, is retiring effective Sept. 30.
Rita Greenberg wears two helmets as fire chief of Immokalee, Big Corkscrew districts Published 09/25/2011 at 6:30 p.m. 1 Comment
After the Immokalee Fire District accepted an offer from Big Corkscrew to essentially share the chief, Rita Greenberg is challenged with bringing stability back to a department that’s suffered its own budget crisis and layoffs this year.Through a year-long agreement, ...
Collier County fires 2 leaders involved in housing rehab debacle Updated 09/23/2011 at 9:53 p.m. 1 Comment
Two leaders involved with a housing program aimed at fixing up foreclosed homes were fired after an audit proved contractors were allowed to bill for work- not completed.
East Naples Fire union reps are no-shows at bargaining session Published 09/22/2011 at 10:36 p.m.
The union’s attorney, Jim Brantley, called the declaration “a ploy to bolster the district’s unwavering, hard-line, uncompromising positions” and demanded proof of financial urgency. Fire officials report the district is facing a $3.2 million budget shortfall for the next fiscal ...
DAS official: ‘Somebody didn’t do their job’ in case of neglected dogs Updated 09/20/2011 at 10:38 p.m.
The outrage at Tuesday night’s advisory board meeting came after 45 dogs were surrendered by Golden Gate Estates dog breeder Anthony Perkins in July. Veterinarians said the dogs were dehydrated and showed signs of neglect. One dog was later euthanized ...
East Naples fire declares financial urgency; Union leaders call it ‘strong-arm tactic’ Updated 09/20/2011 at 6:27 p.m.
The cash-strapped East Naples Fire Control and Rescue District declared “financial urgency” on Monday to end a stalemate in union negotiations.
East Naples Fire Board approves new inspection fees Published 09/13/2011 at 9:23 p.m. 1 Comment
The East Naples Fire Board unanimously approved a resolution that introduces fees on existing building inspections and increases some other inspection fees at its meeting Tuesday night. Fire officials say the fee increases are necessary to fund the district’s fire ...
North Naples fire officials preparing for ambulance service fight Published 09/08/2011 at 6:32 p.m.
During a fire board meeting Thursday, North Naples fire commissioners gave their blessing for their command staff to form a proposal on hospital transport. Currently, Collier EMS provides transport for the whole county. Fire officials did not know when the ...
PHOTOS: Naples firefighters pry open door in four-vehicle crash Published 08/30/2011 at 4:12 p.m.
A four-vehicle collision in Naples this afternoon left one woman trapped in her vehicle and two others injured. The collision occurred about 1 p.m. at the intersection of U.S. 41 and Old Trail Drive, said Naples Fire Battalion Chief Pete ...
Local chef identified as victim of fatal red-light running crash, FHP reports Updated 08/29/2011 at 8:27 p.m.
The Florida Highway Patrol has identified Anne Matthews, 76, as the Naples woman killed Sunday morning when a driver ran a red light at Santa Barbara and Prince Andrews boulevards and crashed into her car.
Collier ready to try out new guidelines for sending out EMS, fire units Published 08/28/2011 at 4 p.m.
When someone dials 911 for a medical emergency, the last thing on the caller’s mind is the process for how help arrives. That process, though, is critical in determining who responds to the patient, how fast they get there and ...
Big Corkscrew fire officials to lead Immokalee fire department indefinitely Updated 08/18/2011 at 10:17 p.m.
“I’m happy with the relationship we have with the Big Corkscrew Island Fire District,” Immokalee Fire Commissioner Pam Brown said. “We have been through a lot of turmoil. I’d like to take a break from that.”
Confidence in ‘interim’: East Naples Fire names Teague new chief Published 08/16/2011 at 9:33 p.m.
Commissioners from the East Naples Fire Control and Rescue District voted to appoint Interim Chief Teague to the permanent chief’s position at Tuesday night.
After 4 hours in the water, two teen canoers rescued off Port Royal Updated 08/15/2011 at 10:16 p.m.
Two Collier teens were rescued offshore by Naples firefighters Monday night after their canoe capsized. A series of mishaps left 16-year-old Juan Cabado and 19-year-old Julian Solarte in the Gulf of Mexico without a paddle or life jacket — it ...
Judge levies $1,000 fine against former Bonita fire commission candidate for false statements Published 08/09/2011 at 9:08 p.m. 1 Comment
Robert Sharkey sent two emails in Aug. 2010 to about 200 people alleging baseless claims of spending abuse by his incumbent opponent, Fire Commissioner Ed FitzGerald, and by the Bonita Springs Fire Control and Rescue District.
Bonita fire inspection fees to quadruple for new construction, renovations Updated 08/08/2011 at 9:20 p.m.
The change, officials say, will go farther in covering the fire district’s fire prevention costs. The increase is the first implemented by the fire district since 2000.
North Naples fire proposes taking over ambulance services Published 08/05/2011 at 11:49 p.m. 1 Comment
North Naples Fire Chief Orly Stolts said on Friday the district was interested in expanding its medical services using tax revenues currently collected by the county. “We think we could provide the same level of service and maybe a little ...
Discrimination suit against Edison College ends with $85,000 settlement; school denies wrongdoing Published 08/05/2011 at 9:50 p.m.
Dr. Vivian Lilly filed a racial discrimination suit against the college charging that she was denied the position based on race. According to settlement documents, the $85,000 “represents compensations for claimed damages and not wages.”
Edison College officials take steps to correct course substitution controversy Updated 08/05/2011 at 9:29 p.m.
In a special meeting of the college’s board of trustees, school leaders outlined steps to address discrepancies in course substitutions, which could derail its accreditation process. The board also approved a $65,000 settlement ending a discrimination suit by an applicant ...
East Naples firefighters vote no confidence in chief, call for leadership consolidation Published 08/04/2011 at 2:34 p.m.
East Naples firefighters have leveled a vote of no confidence against interim Fire Chief Keith Teague, according to a press release from the firefighters union.
Stock market woes: Advisors try to temper the panic Published 08/03/2011 at 7:11 p.m.
“There’s not a lot of good out there,” said Jim Applegate, the Fort Myers regional director for Financial Services Advisory. The Dow closed with a gain of 30, or 0.3 percent, to 11,896. A nine-day losing streak would have been ...
Authorities warn against leaving children inside hot cars after 1 death, 1 near-tragedy Published 08/02/2011 at 7:34 p.m.
A 1-year-old died on Sunday after being accidentally left in a car, according to the Florida Department of Children and Families. Then on Monday, a baby was rescued from a car in the parking lot of Walmart, 11225 U.S. 41 ...
Union president files another Sunshine Law violation complaint against East Naples fire officials Published 07/28/2011 at 7:01 p.m.
In a complaint filed with the Florida Commission on Ethics, Tobin charges that Fire Commissioner Thomas Cannon inappropriately held a private meeting with East Naples Fire Chief Keith Teague and another firefighter who was accepting a “buy-out” package.
Fire union president: Station closures endanger public Updated 07/12/2011 at 11:07 a.m.
The union representing East Naples firefighters is on the attack just one week after the East Naples interim fire chief implemented mandatory unpaid furloughs for firefighters and occasional station closures citing the fire district’s “budget crisis.
Feeling the heat: Immokalee fire commissioners grilled over firefighter layoffs Published 05/24/2011 at 10:27 p.m.
Six chairs adorned with a firefighter’s yellow jacket, helmet and boots sat at the front of the meeting room at Immokalee Station 30 — one for each Immokalee firefighter laid off late last week. During Tuesday night’s emergency budget meeting, ...
Early morning fire guts East Naples charity; deemed arson Updated 05/23/2011 at 2:56 p.m.
Heavy smoke from an early morning fire destroyed the headquarters of a charitable thrift shop on U.S. 41 East in East Naples on Monday in a fire that investigators are calling suspicious.
Immokalee chief fired, 6 firefighter spots eliminated Updated 05/20/2011 at 7:14 p.m.
Immokalee fire commissioners fired the department’s chief on Thursday and have decided to eliminate six firefighter positions, according to officials with the Immokalee Fire Control and Rescue District.
Photo mural showcasing humanity defaced with graffiti in East Naples Updated 05/16/2011 at 3:02 p.m.
An East Naples photography mural, designed to showcase the humanity of Southwest Florida, was crudely defaced early Sunday morning.
Under fire: East Naples fire commissioners accused of violating Sunshine Law Updated 05/13/2011 at 8:18 p.m.
The union representing firefighters from the East Naples Fire Control and Rescue district filed a Sunshine Law complaint against the fire commission this week for “circumventing statutory requirements to open government,” according to Union President Chris Tobin.
"Every single thing we own is gone:" East Naples apartment fire claims homes, cats Updated 05/09/2011 at 7:29 p.m.
Seven East Naples residents lost their homes and possessions, and one man lost several cats, to an early morning fire that torched a one-story apartment building on Monday.
Big Cypress fire sends smoke across Collier County Updated 05/04/2011 at 6:54 p.m.
The primary source of the smoky conditions in Collier County on Wednesday is a fire covering more than 21,000 acres in Big Cypress National Preserve, experts say.
Smokey unbearable: Numerous brush fires keep Collier County in a haze Updated 05/04/2011 at 12:48 p.m.
A smoky haze continues to sit over Collier County this morning after numerous brush fires continue to burn Wednesday.
Collier Commissioners review emergency response protocol to improve patient care Published 04/29/2011 at 7:21 p.m.
Growing concerns about slow ambulance response times in the city of Naples prompted rapid changes in recent weeks. Now emergency service agencies throughout the county are vowing to review their own emergency response methods in an effort to improve patient ...
Fire relief: Golden Gate Estates homeowners escape major damage Updated 04/28/2011 at 8:47 p.m.
Though flames came within feet of many homes, no one was injured and no house was burned.
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