More Discipline In San Francisco Drunk Driving Case

Two more firefighters have been disciplined in the aftermath of the drunk driving incident in San Francisco last June that nearly cost a motorcyclist his life.

Two assistant chiefs, Art Kenney and Dave Franklin, have been suspended for 10 days and eight days, respectively, for their actions the night of the crash. The exact basis for the discipline has not been reported, but they allegedly failed to follow proper procedures after the accident.

The June 29, 2013 accident occurred while a ladder truck driven by FF Michael Quinn was responding to an alarm struck a motorcycle driven by Jack Frazier. Frazier was severely injured. Quinn left the scene and coworkers initially claimed they do not know where he went. An investigation revealed messaging between the coworkers and Quinn as well as coworkers accompanying Quinn into a nearby bar where he began drinking large quantities of water.

Quinn has since resigned and is facing three criminal charges related to the accident.

About Curt Varone

Curt Varone has over 45 years of fire service experience and 35 as a practicing attorney licensed in both Rhode Island and Maine. His background includes 29 years as a career firefighter in Providence (retiring as a Deputy Assistant Chief), as well as volunteer and paid on call experience. He is the author of two books: Legal Considerations for Fire and Emergency Services, (2006, 2nd ed. 2011, 3rd ed. 2014, 4th ed. 2022) and Fire Officer's Legal Handbook (2007), and is a contributing editor for Firehouse Magazine writing the Fire Law column.
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