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Family of fire victim sues Dane County over delayed dispatch

By: Associated Press//February 16, 2015//

Family of fire victim sues Dane County over delayed dispatch

By: Associated Press//February 16, 2015//

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MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The family of a Madison man who died in a fire in 2013 has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Dane County, saying the delayed dispatch of firefighters contributed to his death.

Fifty-one-year-old Christopher Williams died in the Oct. 16, 2013, apartment fire. His family filed a lawsuit Friday seeking unspecified compensation. They allege that 911 dispatchers took nearly four minutes before they sent firefighters to the scene.

When firefighters found Williams, he had collapsed at his front door. He died of smoke inhalation.

Dane County risk manager Dan Lowndes said Monday that the county had not been served with the lawsuit and that he couldn’t comment on pending litigation.

County Executive Joe Parisi ordered changes at the 911 center last year to shorten response times.

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