DC Firefighter Assaulted At Scene Accused Of Being Impaired

A DC firefighter who was assaulted by several people at the scene of an emergency involving an injured child, is now being investigated for being under the influence.

The incident occurred yesterday when firefighters responded to a 3-year old injured in a fall. The child’s parents were concerned about the condition of the firefighter and refused to allow him to treat the child. Bystanders apparently upset that the firefighter was impaired attacked him breaking his jaw.

NBC 4 released a video of the moments just prior to the assault that will no doubt help investigators piece together what transpired. In the mean time, police are seeking the attackers and DCFEMS is investigating allegations that the member was impaired.

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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