Woman sues for injuries from sliding down fire pole at party

<p>A northeast Georgia woman is suing her county's fire department, saying she hurt herself sliding down a firehouse pole during a party.</p><p>Andra Gooch, of Watkinsville, claims the Oconee County Fire Department and county commission chairman were negligent when she hurt herself at a Nov. 2003 party. Patrons at the party _ for the son of a fire department employee _ had access to the pole and the area where fire trucks were parked and other equipment stored, according to the suit.</p><p>At some point during the night, Gooch slid down the firepole from the second story of the station. When she landed, she severely injured her feet and ankles, but the host and others at the party did not immediately call an ambulance to treat Gooch's injuries, according to the lawsuit.</p><p>Gooch, who worked for the Clarke County school system, had to have $75,000 worth of surgery on her feet and ankles and still is disabled to the point that she cannot work, the suit says.</p><p>___</p><p>HASH(0x1cd9ecc)</p>