ORLAND PARK, Ill. — Ill. fire officials plan to meet with the State’s Attorney’s office prior to taking disciplinary action against a fire lieutenant who is charged with the reckless homicide when his vehicle struck another and killed a 25-year-old woman.
Orland Fire Protection District Lt. Patrick Bruce, 45, was charged with failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident and reckless driving when he was involved with a crashed that killed Anasis Knox, according to CBS Chicago.
Jim Roche, an attorney for the Orland Fire Protection District, said that he or other department members will meet with Cook County prosecutors before Thursday’s scheduled hearing to discuss the incident.
Roche said that once he gets details on the charges set against Lt. Bruce, disciplinary action will be taken.
“Obviously, this is a very serious, grievous situation,” Roche told CBS Chicago. “This is not like someone got into a fight with their neighbor.”
During Lt. Bruce’s bail meeting on Monday, prosecutors said that he had taken prescription pain medication and was driving 60 mph in a 35-mph zone and was weaving between lanes before the crash occurred.
Bruce has been on medical leave from the department since July due to a work-related injury. He is also part-time deputy chief for nearby Crestwood Fire Department.