Cody Jordan: A first responder was critically injured on the job, an investigation uncovered why it happened
Gila Bend, Arizona: Cody Jordan always wanted to be a first responder, so when he joined the Gila Bend Fire Department it was a dream come true. But in February of this year, just over a year into the FD, that dream came crashing down after Jordan was seriously injured on the job, and left fighting for his life.
Now, seven months after the incident, the Arizona Division of Occupational Safety and Health has released the findings of its investigation into the incident and fined the Gila Bend FD $17,131.
According to the investigation, Jordan was attempting to retrieve a battery number from inside the engine compartment while the cab was on a hydraulic system -- used to lift the cab high enough for people servicing the truck to get to the engine compartment. But the system failed and the 2,500-pound cab collapsed on Jordan. Investigators found that a built-in locking mechanism, which could have prevented the collapse, was not in place at the time of the accident. There was also no documentation showing the system had been inspected before the incident.
Jordan suffered multiple injuries including a broken sternum, brain trauma, and asphyxiation. What's more, the fire department failed to report the accident within the required 24-hour period.