L.A. fire inspector accused of taking a bribe

A decorated Los Angeles Fire Department inspector was arrested Monday for allegedly accepting a bribe during a sting operation.

Dennis Archie, 58, of Thousands Oaks was booked on suspicion of commercial bribery, said Officer Karen Smith. Police allege that Archie demanded and took a $500 bribe from a board and care facility operator to sign off on a compliance check to allow changes to be made to the facility.

LAPD detectives observed the alleged payment as part of a sting orchestrated after authorities learned the veteran fire official was allegedly requesting payments for inspection approvals, officials said.

Ron Myers, a Fire Department spokesman, said the department was aware of the arrest and would be assisting in the investigation.

“When the facts become available we will relay them to the public,” Myers said. “The fire chief considers this a very serious matter.” Archie’s arrest is one of the first to stem from the work of the Fire Department's Professional Standards Bureau, the department’s newly formed internal affairs unit.

The unit contacted the LAPD to initiate the sting after learning that Archie allegedly demanded a bribe from the facility owner. Smith said Archie was arrested and taken to the LAPD’s West Valley station, where he was being held in lieu of $20,000 bail. A respected and decorated Fire Department veteran, Archie was promoted from paramedic to fire inspector in 2006.

--Richard Winton

Comments

[Luca Ponti]

You think this is bad. Someone should investigate the Pasadena Fire Department.

[Sergio Almendariz]

These are the heroes we talk so much about after 9/11, maybe we give them too much praise.

[Mike Cabrera]

Also remember,This individual has put other fire fighters in harms way by not following safety guidelines!

[LAFD]

Richard,

Thank you for posting this story in a timely manner. Maintaining the trust and respect of those we serve is a top priority. Anyone who harbors a personal concern or wishs to tender a compliment - or complaint regarding the Los Angeles Fire Department, is always encouraged to contact the LAFD Professional Standards Division (not Bureau) directly. Additional information can be found on-line at:

http://lafd.org/psd.htm

Respectfully Yours in Safety and Service,

Brian Humphrey
Firefighter/Specialist
Public Service Officer
Los Angeles Fire Department

[Lee]

Don't be too quick to judge the L.A. Fire Department because of one bad apple. I have a great deal of respect for those people who have a lot more guts and bravery than me.