Naval Base Failed To Train Firefighters, Falsified Records:Report

NEWPORT, RI — The Naval Inspector General says Naval Station Newport failed to train firefighters adequately and also falsified training records.

The investigation started after George Haywood, a firefighter/paramedic, blew the whistle on the Navy after he found some inaccuracies in some of his personnel records. The records indicated he had completed some firefighter/ emergency responder training, although he never took the classes. He compared notes with his colleagues. They also said they did not attend various training classes, but the classes were marked completed in their personnel files.

Haywood complained and said he also believed the firefighters and emergency service workers had not been sufficiently trained to do their jobs safely and responsibly.

The Inspector General agreed with Haywood's complaints.

Lisa Rama, spokeswoman for Naval Station Newport, could not immediately be reached for comment.