BOSTON -- Jan. 9 was a terrible day for Boston's fire department. Apparent brake failure caused a crash that killed veteran firefighter Kevin Kelley.

Because of that tragedy, the city ordered all fire trucks be inspected. Team 5 reviewed the inspection records and repair work, and uncovered widespread brake problems among many in the fleet.

When the Boston Fire Department began inspections on Jan. 12, Ladder 14 was first and flunked. It needed brake work. Over the next few days, there were more reports of brake problems.

Team 5 Investigates spent hours reviewing maintenance records for the department's 55 engines and ladder trucks, which showed the scope of the problems found in inspections after the fatal crash. In all, 28 trucks, more than half the fleet, required thousands of dollars in brake work. Some needed minor adjustments, others needed total overhauls.

Union president Ed Kelly told Team 5 he wasn't surprised by the number of brake problems found. And he believed nothing has changed since the accident to ensure firefighters are safe.

But Boston Fire Commissioner Roderick Fraser said many of the changes have been made since the crash. In an e-mail to Team 5, a spokesman said a fleet manager and safety coordinator have been hired and started this week. A safety checklist has been developed for fire houses and a driver training course is in the works.

Bids were due Friday for a consultant to develop procedures for vehicle inspections and preventative maintenance. The commissioner hopes to award a contract within the week.

Team 5 asked auto repair shop owner Jimmy O'Brien, who is not involved in fire department work, to review the records. He said the number of brake problems suggested maintenance was seriously overlooked.

"Oh definitely. How many trucks do they have? Fifty, 60 trucks? Twenty-eight of them all of a sudden have huge problems," said O'Brien. "Every truck is going to need maintenance as you go along. But not twenty-eight at the same time. No, that's kind of a scary figure."