Summary

Ransom E. Moore, Jr., manager of Moore Fire Extinguisher & Fire Protection Co., Albany, NY, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Albany to falsely certifying that high-pressure fire extinguishers had been retested in accordance with Federal regulations. Moore’s plea stems from an investigation which revealed he certified in 1998 and 1999 that approximately 900 carbon dioxide fire extinguishers had been retested as required when they had not. The extinguishers were located in schools, fire departments, a DOD facility, and businesses throughout the Albany area. Moore’s sentencing is scheduled for November 11, 2003. This case was investigated by OIG, the FBI, and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, with assistance from the Research and Special Programs Administration (RSPA).



RSPA is the Federal agency with jurisdiction over testing cylinders used to hold and transport such compressed gases as oxygen, hydrogen, helium, and argon. The cylinders must be tested at least every five years to ensure they remain strong enough to contain pressurized gases, many of which can be explosive.