GARDEN GROVE, Calif. — A report says a firefighter with a criminal record remains on the force even though he’s been called unsafe.
The Orange County Register reported that Jeremy Broadwater, who’s also the mayor’s son, was hired in October despite having 10 misdemeanor arrests and convictions for assault, resisting arrest, public drunkenness and shoplifting. Those don’t automatically disqualify a firefighter, but experts say the job is highly competitive and it’s unusual to hire someone with that record, according to the report.
Broadwater has been severely reprimanded for his performance, which included making potentially life-threatening mistakes on medical calls, and a captain called him unsafe and recommended his termination, according to the report.
Broadwater, Mayor Bruce Broadwater and Fire Chief David Barlag didn’t respond to the Orange County Register’s requests for comment.