Brian Williams: Hero Fire Fighter

He survived being shot down in the Middle east, as well as a throng of gangs at his hotel, where he suffered dysentery from drinking flood waters, but he is not done there:

He was a hero firefighter who saved a puppy's life!

Or....

Here is the statement attributed to him as a volunteer fire fighter:

"My firehouse was a modest engine company — three engines, three garage doors and about 30 of the best men I’ve ever known. We fought all the usual fires that break out in the suburbs: brush fires, car fires, dumpsters, dryers, light fixtures — and worst of all, the occasional house, already in flames when we arrived. I remember one such house fire — the structure was fully involved with flames and smoke. I was wearing a breathing apparatus, conducting a search on my hands and knees, when I felt something warm, squishy and furry on the floor of a closet. I instinctively tucked it in my coat. When I got outside, I saw two small eyes staring up at me, and I returned the 3-week-old (and very scared) puppy to its grateful owners."

let's look at the statement again, with emphasis added:


"My firehouse was a modest engine company — three engines, three garage doors and about 30 of the best men I’ve ever known. 

Analyst Mark McClish noted that over his years, he found that the number three was often chosen by liars, as something they were comfortable with.  He then asked other investigators and other analysts to send him any references where the subject was deceptive and employed the number three, in some manner. 
Charlie Rogers had "three men" break into her house....fabrication.
Tiffany Hartley had "three boats" chasing her and her husband...fabrication. 

Although not part of the SCAN technique, we look at any use of the number three and note it for possible deception.  By itself, it is not something to conclude deception, but it just means that we have a reason to doubt.  

It was a "modest" engine company, in the language of story telling, bringing the sense of humble to us.  
"three" engines
"three" garage doors and 
"three-zero" of the "best men I've ever known" (in the language of story telling, noting that although the firehouse was "modest", these were the "best" men.  Note his association with the "life long police officer" in Katrina, and his association with the brave soldiers from the middle east assault.  This may suggest pattern to some.  

It is possible that three men can rob someone at 3 o'clock on Third Street, robbing him of $300 dollars.  

We like to check, however.  


We fought all the usual fires that break out in the suburbs: brush fires, car fires, dumpsters, dryers, light fixtures — and worst of all, the occasional house, already in flames when we arrived. I remember one such house fire — the structure was fully involved with flames and smoke.

a. In an open statement, a person can only tell us what they remember.  Therefore, this word is not necessary and it is, therefore, important. 

b.  Note "involved with" is standard firefighter phrase; verified.  (update)  


 I was wearing a breathing apparatus, conducting a search on my hands and knees, when I felt something warm, squishy and furry on the floor of a closet. I instinctively tucked it in my coat. When I got outside, I saw two small eyes staring up at me, and I returned the 3-week-old (and very scared) puppy to its grateful owners."

Due to the unusual usage of the number three in his account, verification of the "3 week old puppy" saving would need verification. 
Note that a 3 week old puppy needs it mother and nothing is mentioned of her...not being dead, nor being in attack mode at such a young pup in distress.  

It is not likely that the "grateful owners" would have a three week old puppy away from its litter.