DETROIT — A veteran firefighter accused of being drunk on the job was fired. Now, a high ranking captain is under investigation for clearing the firefighter for duty.
“We have a zero tolerance policy,” Executive Fire Commissioner Edsel Jenkins said.
WXYZ reported that an acting sergeant showed up for work drunk, was improperly cleared for duty and then went out on a call. After clearing the scene, a citizen was so alarmed, they called in a report.
The sergeant was taken to a clinic for a breath test.
“The test found this individual was intoxicated,” Jenkins said. The test showed at nearly three times the legal limit, according to the report.
After about 15 years with the department, the firefighter was fired on Dec. 3.
“It’s very concerning, because any time a first responder, a firefighter, is under the influence while on duty, it presents a hazard to himself, his coworkers and citizens. That’s something we can’t tolerate,” Jenkins added.
Fire officials said this is the second firefighter to be discharged this year for being drunk while on duty, according to the report.
“Our goal is to identify these individuals before it gets to this point and get them assistance,” said Jenkins.
In addition to that assistance, he said there are clear protocols in place to report fellow firefighters who either need help or are violating the zero tolerance policy.
As for the captain who cleared the firefighter for duty, he is facing either disciplinary action or termination, according to the report.