Last month after a 24-year-old Semmes ladder truck crashed on Schillenger Road during stormy weather, sources at the Semmes Fire-Rescue Department told NBC 15 News the brakes failed as a Lieutenant drove the truck down a hill into a curve, and they shared an internal email that previously warned about the condition of the brakes. Concerned with what he heard in our reporting, Semmes Mayor Brandon Van Hook hired Redding Crash Reconstruction to investigate the brakes, at a cost of $2,500, and is now sharing results with us.
"We want to be transparent. We're here to work for the people," said Van Hook.
According to Redding Crash's website, the owner, Ronnie Redding, is a retired state trooper, experienced collision investigator and re-constructionist. Redding states in his report, "For the rear brakes to lock up, there would have to be an air leak and air pressure would have to be at about 20 psi." Redding says he tested the truck twice and the psi was 88 the first time and 115 psi the second time, and he found no air leak. He also says if there were a leak, a warning light and bell would activate at about 55 psi. The report states the ladder truck had warning signals but the firefighters did not report it going off. Redding wrote, "...it is my opinion that the service brakes were functioning properly and was not a contributing factor to this crash." The report doesn't state the cause of the crash but does note the wet road conditions that morning.
"It's an unfortunate situation that happened. I hate that they didn't come to me before they chose to go to the media over it. And that's something that we need to work through and we need to make sure that we do better next time," said Van Hook.
The mayor says he has an open door policy, and if employees in any department see a problem he wants to know about it.