Quite a few San Antonio Fireplace Division workers have been relieved of obligation not too long ago after arrests and infractions put them at odds with departmental requirements of conduct.
Firefighter Casey Ross was indefinitely suspended with out pay beginning Dec. 20 after he was arrested on expenses of driving whereas intoxicated and possession of harmful medication, in line with suspension data from the town.
Ross was arrested July 3 after being concerned in an off-duty site visitors accident within the drive-thru of an unnamed fast-food restaurant. Witnesses on the scene known as 911 as a result of Ross was unresponsive within the driver’s seat of his car with the keys within the ignition, in line with the data.
Medics administered Narcan, which is used to deal with narcotics overdoses.
When legislation enforcement officers searched Ross’ car, they discovered a transparent plastic bag with a number of small, blue tablets that have been later recognized as opiates. In his system, officers discovered fentanyl — an artificial opioid that’s 80 to 100 occasions stronger than morphine, in line with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration — together with a muscle relaxant, an antihistamine and a sedative.
The SAFD stated Ross lacked ethical character and violated the division’s insurance policies relating to conduct and conduct.
One other firefighter was suspended with out pay after he was caught allegedly drunk driving.
Off-duty firefighter Nicholas De La Cruz was arrested July 30 after he was pulled over by San Antonio police within the 3000 block of North St. Mary’s Avenue.
Officers stated De La Cruz was driving with out headlights on and drove on prime of a curb and got here to a cease in a grassy space off the roadway, suspension data confirmed.
The firefighter smelled of alcohol, and he had bloodshot, glassy eyes and slurred speech. He additionally admitted to having three beers throughout the hour, data stated. De La Cruz’s blood alcohol stage was 0.139 %; an individual with a stage of 0.08 % is taken into account intoxicated.
Officers additionally indefinitely suspended engineer John Williams after he incurred a number of disciplinary infractions over three months.
Williams began his suspension Dec. 16.
Suspension data present that on July 2, Williams “went AWOL” — failing to report for obligation and remaining absent for greater than 18 days earlier than offering depart notification.
About two months later, Williams operated a division car, regardless of a direct order prohibiting him from driving any SAFD or metropolis car.
Then on Sept. 27, Williams reported 45 minutes late for obligation within the morning earlier than instantly leaving and never returning for an hour, in line with data.
And three days later, Williams did not attend a compulsory coaching.
Williams’ disciplinary report exhibits that he had been suspended in March 2021 and April 2021 for 14 days and 90 days, respectively.
Officers stated Williams violated a number of division orders, together with conduct and conduct, insubordination, absence insurance policies and obeying lawful orders.
taylor.pettaway@express-news.web | @TaylorPettaway
