State Rep. Paul Tittl (R-Manitowoc) says he will challenge citations issued to him for a carbon monoxide leak that sent 17 people to the hospital in Manitowoc.
In a statement released Tuesday, Tittl said he is challenging the tickets because he learned the apartment's detectors in the common areas of the building were removed by tenants, and the fire extinguisher was stolen.
Tittl was cited for smoke detector and fire extinguisher violations discovered during the investigation.
“This was a horrible situation that should not have happened," said Rep. Tittl.
Tittl owns the building that houses the Manitowoc County Republican Party, Susie Kay's Cafe and five apartments.
Police continue to investigate the leak that happened last October and have confiscated the building's boiler.
“The boiler was repaired twice during the month of the incident and I was shocked to find out that it was never truly fixed," said Rep. Tittl.
Police reports say some pipes coming from the boiler had been blocked and that may have affected combustion. The report also lists a cracked heat exchanger, or having no water in the boiler tank, as possible causes.
"The safety of my tenants is paramount," Rep. Tittl said. "Every year the building passes its annual fire department inspection and I have always complied with recommendations. I will continue to work with my tenants to ensure safety requirements are followed."
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