NBC Connecticut
HARTFORD, Conn. — The Hartford firefighter suspended in the spring after a drunken encounter at a local business has resigned after refusing to take a breathalyzer test at the fire station on Sunday, according to sources within the Hartford Fire Department.
Doug Caldwell had been assigned to work at Engine 16, the station where fallen firefighter Kevin Bell was employed, instead of his usual assignment at Engine 2. Fire department sources said other firefighters suspected Caldwell of drinking on the job and called Employee Assistance Program officers to conduct a breath test. In order to keep his job, Caldwell was required to submit to random drug and alcohol testing but routinely called in sick during the week in an apparent effort to skirt testing.
After learning that officers had been called, Caldwell claimed he had a family emergency and needed to leave immediately. The firefighter in charge called the district chief to let him know, while a deputy chief on the job prevented Caldwell from driving off.
Full story: Hartford Firefighter Resigns After Refusing Breath Test: Sources