STATter 911 has learned the entire Marine Division of the Alexandria City Fire Department has been shut down due to safety concerns. The order came yesterday from Chief Adam Thiel. Department spokesman Captain Luis Santana says they expect the division to be operational again in early January, 2009.

According to Santana, there is no specific incident causing what he calls a “safety stand down”. Captain Santana says the action is as a result of a reevaluation of the division prompted by the recent drowning of a Fairfax County police officer during a training exercise on the Potomac River. Alexandria was not involved in the training, but did assist in search operations.

Santana says the unusual move comes on the recommendation of recently appointed Assistant Chief Denise Pouget.

STATter 911: City of Alexandria, VA Marine Division out of service for safety stand down until next year.