Detroit Firefighter Under Investigation for Impairment Following Apparatus Crash

A Detroit firefighter who was driving a squad truck when it collided with a parked car as it arrived on the scene of a medical emergency, has been suspended as the department investigates whether he was under the influence. The incident occurred Sunday, February 21, 2021 and involved an unidentified 26-year-old member who was driving Squad 6.

Squad 6 had been attending an event at Engine 50’s station when dispatched on the medical run. Fire department officials referred to the event as a dinner, but Local4 referred to it as “a big party,” suggesting its sources said that there was drinking going on.

The Detroit Free Press quoted Detroit Fire Commissioner Eric Jones as saying “A part of our processes is to drug and alcohol screen all drivers that have accidents. So, during that drug and alcohol screening, we learned that the firefighter in question was over the legal limit for blood alcohol. He was immediately suspended.” The press also cited Commissioner Jones as confirming that Squad 6 had been at the Engine 50 “dinner party.”

No criminal charges have been filed against the firefighter.

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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