Accidents down for Las Vegas firefighters

Dan Kulin

Monday, April 17, 2006 | 7:25 a.m.

Las Vegas Fire & Rescue has seen accidental injury and occupational illness claims drop about 30 percent from 2003 to 2005, but the fire chief is not ready to say whether the drop is a significant trend.

The number of claims has been up and down since 2001, when there were 79 claims. In 2003 there were 73 claims, followed by 93 in 2003, 80 in 2004 and 65 in 2005.

Chief David Washington said while he is happy with the recent drop, it is too soon to say whether the fluctuations are normal or can be attributed to a re-emphasis on safety.

"People are working out a lot more, which is voluntary, and we have been more focused on safety campaigns" during the last two years, Washington said.

For example, there now are daily safety reminders at the start of each shift, and each June, firefighters review all of the department's safety procedures.

"In another year or two we'll be able to see if it's really a trend," he said.

In addition to protecting workers, fewer claims lead to less expensive insurance for the city, the chief said.

Having no success in giving away money to help certain teachers buy homes, the City Council is poised to drastically change the city's $500,000 housing assistance program.

Changes scheduled to be voted on Wednesday would open up the program to more teachers and allow them to use it to pay rent as well as for a down payment on a new home.

The council adopted the Homeownership for Educators Program last May, but has had no takers yet among teachers eligible under the current guidelines - those who teach math, science or special education at one of the three high schools within the city.

In January, school and city officials said they were working on new program guidelines to broaden access to the city funds.

The proposed new guidelines would make the program available to any teacher working and living within the city limits who meets federal income limits. The money could be used for rental assistance of up to $500 per month, or to help with a mortgage down payment of up to $30,000.

A portion of the mortgage assistance would have to be paid back if the teacher stopped working for the School District or moved within 10 years.

Mayor Oscar Goodman said he continues fielding calls regarding Las Vegas as home to a top professional sports team.

Goodman said the "sport du jour" recently has been hockey.

The mayor said he still has not spoken with league officials but has been approached by people who believe they might be able to buy a team and "want to bring a team here," he said.

The mayor is a football, baseball and basketball fan who readily admits he knows little about the frozen ponds.

"I wouldn't know a puck from Bobby Orr," he said.

The mayor has been trying to lure a major league team to Las Vegas for years. Baseball seemed to be closest to becoming a reality for some time, but the mayor and others now say the city could be closer to landing an NBA franchise.

Change is coming to a top post in city law enforcement.

Longtime Detention and Enforcement Director Mike Sheldon is retiring, and current Deputy Chief Karen Coyne is expected to take over the department, which oversees city marshals, the jail, parking enforcement and animal control.

Coyne, who began working for the city in 1992 as a corrections officer, rose to deputy chief last July.