Several media outlets are reporting that a San Francisco firefighter may lose his job for causing a drunk driving accident. Sources tell the San Francisco Chronicle that San Francisco Fire Chief Joanne Hayes-White recommended firing the firefighter to the Fire Commission despite the ongoing police investigation.
The firefighter’s lawyer says that the move was “premature and irresponsible.”
The 43-year-old firefighter was arrested on June 29th after hitting a motorcyclist with a ladder truck at the intersection of Fifth and Howard streets. Media reports indicate that the motorcyclist suffered severe personal injuries in this motorcycle accident including broken ribs and a punctured lung.
Instead of staying at the scene, the firefighter allegedly fled to a nearby pub where he tried to lower his blood alcohol level by downing pitchers of water. ABC-7 News reports that there is video footage placing the firefighter at the bar.
The resolution of the firefighter’s criminal case or any personal injury litigation has yet to be determined. The firefighter is currently in rehab outside of the city.
Source: San Francisco Chronicle, “SF firefighter suspected in drunken crash may lose job,” Matier and Ross, July 22, 2013
