LSPD Near Miss in Passenger Train Collision

An officer of the Los Santos Police Department narrowly avoided tragedy earlier this evening after having collided with a Las Venturas-bound LS Cityline passenger train. The train and LSPD cruiser clipped eachother at the midway point of Frederick Bridge, north-east of Palomino Creek. It is believed that the cruiser was stationary at the time.

Immediately following the collision, the train pulled into Linden Station - just short of the bridge - with 2 passengers receiving treatment by the Las Venturas Fire Department for minor injuries. Meanwhile, the Los Santos Fire Department worked at extricating the imperilled officer, whom had been trapped and left unconscious in their cruiser by the impact.

LSPD and LSFD officials have speculated that the collision was not direct or head-on and that the train merely shunted the cruiser off onto the neighbouring line. However, it is currently unknown as to why the officer was on the tracks and what their intentions were.

The officer was transported to All Saints General Hospital in a serious but stable condition. The media are advised to contact the LSPD and San Andreas Transportation Authority for any further inquiries.

Submitted by Brett Carnahan, Community Liaison Officer
Los Santos Fire Department

Fire Guts a Downtown LS Cafe

On Tuesday, April 19th, 2011 at 4:24 PM, 3 LSFD Engines and 1 LSFD Rescue Ambulance responded a Reported Smoke at Cafe Armerina, 877 Figueroa Street, under the direction of Commissioner Brett Carnahan.

Firefighters first on-scene arrived to find light smoke showing from the front of the one-story commercial building, with no initial indications of there being anyone inside. A single attack line was set-up and forcible entry was made into the cafe through its main entrance.

The interior team gingerly made their way through the smoke-charged dining area to discover the seat of the fire being immediately behind the service counter, stemming off into the kitchen. Faced with a continually worsening condition, in which flashover was thought to be imminent, firefighters hastily and diligently battled the flames and were able to completely quell them in under half an hour.

A successful knockdown was declared following the completion of the interior team's Primary Search, of which yielded no victims. The cafe's owners, whom arrived minutes into the fire fight, were relieved to see that the the extent of damage wasn't too great (totalling approximately $25,500), with thanks to the efforts of LSFD personell.

Although it is firmly believed that the cause of the blaze was down to faulty kitchen appliances, a full investigation is anticipated.

Submitted by Brett Carnahan, Community Liaison Officer
Los Santos Fire Department

Keane Cuts Red Tape at New Homeless Shelter and Rehab Clinic

The doors of two eagerly anticipated health-orientated centers -- a purpose-built homeless shelter and rehabilitation clinic -- were yesterday opened to the public by Mayor Gary Keane. The official ribbon cutting took place before the media and citizens of Los Santos at 5:30 PM, of which was followed by Keane's tour inside.

Despite the long wait, Keane praised Jovic Construction Company (JCC), the team responsible for the construction of both buildings, for their efficiency and diligent work.

The centers, created in response to elevating figures of homelessness and drug dependency, provide round-the-clock services and accommodation to those in need. The homeless shelter is situated in Commerce, directly east of City Hall and south of the Atrium, whilst the rehabilitation clinic (known as the Los Santos Crisis Center) can be found in south-western Rodeo.

Speaking on behalf of Los Santos Fire Department members, whom all share appreciation for the government's generous funding, Commissioner Stuart Collins expressed to the public that those that needed help would be met with help, regardless of severity. He urges those that consider themselves substance abusers, and those that know a substance abuser, to approach the Los Santos Crisis Center (LSCC) before it's too late.

The Los Santos Fire Department would like to impress upon you the importance of managing a dependency on psychoactive drugs, be it alcohol or a recreational substance. The LSCC's general objective falls under education and rehabilitation.

The many programs they offer set out to cease substance abuse, as to avoid the physical, financial, legal, social and psychological consequences that already have or may otherwise follow. The Los Santos Crisis Center is a non-profit, charitable organization that do not base entry on your financial situation, but on your need for help.

If you have concerns about drug abuse and/or dependency, please do not hesitate to contact the Los Santos Crisis Center:

10298 Orbit St., Rodeo, Los Santos, SA 90210

Ph: 1018150

ALWAYS CALL 911 IN AN EMERGENCY
(EG. IF YOU SUSPECT THAT SOMEONE HAS OVERDOSED)

Submitted by Brett Carnahan, Community Liaison Officer
Los Santos Fire Department