State investigators have cited the Hartford Fire Department for serious violations found during an investigation of a blaze that killed a city firefighter in October. City fire officials said Thursday that the department received citations from the state Division of Occupational Safety and Health.The agency investigated the house fire that killed 48-year-old firefighter Kevin Bell, who died after his tank ran out of air. Bell was the first city firefighter to die in the line of duty in four decades.
The violations included not ensuring firefighters wore protective equipment according to manufacturer's instructions, not issuing and requiring the use of protective hoods and not ensuring that air tanks underwent required testing every five years.
Fire officials say they dispute the findings and have requested a meeting with OSHA officials.
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