Performing duties while under the influence?

[NJFFSA16]

Firefighter could be fired for alleged on-the-job intoxication

KOKOMO, Ind. (AP) - A firefighter who was allegedly drunken,
loud and abusive while on emergency medical runs might be fired for
violating department rules.
Kokomo Fire Chief Dave Duncan on Tuesday brought formal charges
that allege John J. Iseminger was drunk on duty the night of June
9, testing above the legal limit for alcohol.
The Kokomo Board of Public Works & Safety will hear the case
Sept. 19.
Rick Daily, president of Firefighters Local 396, had no comment
on the case Tuesday, but said the union will help the 18-year
veteran of the department fight the charges.
Iseminger remains on duty with the department while the charges
are pending.
There was no answer Wednesday at a number listed for John
Iseminger in Kokomo to obtain comment.
In addition to a charge of performing duties while under the
influence of alcohol, Iseminger is also charged with conduct
unbecoming an officer. He also faces allegations he violated state
laws governing conduct by a public employee.
In his written report to the board of works, Duncan said
Iseminger took part in emergency runs June 9 while under the
influence and that after one run, "medics complained that a
firefighter was loud, abusive and smelled of alcohol."
Deputy Chief Pat Donoghue said a blood-alcohol test administered
after that run found Iseminger to be above both the legal driving
limit of .08, and the department's contractual limit of .10.
---
Information from: Kokomo Tribune, http://www.ktonline.com

[firetoole]

Firefighter could be fired for alleged on-the-job intoxication

might be fired

why would he not be fired?

[NJFFSA16]

Why would he NOT be fired?

the union will help the 18-year veteran of the department fight the charges.

Presumed innocent....until proven guilty?

[DaSharkie]

Presumed innocent....until proven guilty?

Even if he is guilty, the union will fight tooth and nail for this guy to keep his job. That is the union's job. The union is supposed to defend the biggest scumbag, slacker firefighter as ardently as the strongest/best firefighter.


Personally, he should be fired and lose all pension benefits. You endanger (allegedly) my life, the live of the crew, and let alone the lives of the citizens of the community you ought to lose your job.

Most communities have a "Zero tolerance" policy towards drugs - but alcohol intoxication gets a brush off often times.

[Bones42]

the department's contractual limit of .10. Is anyone else scared that the Department's contract has a higher limit than the states legal one? What does that say about the Department? :eek:

[DaSharkie]

Is anyone else scared that the Department's contract has a higher limit than the states legal one? What does that say about the Department? :eek:


I missed that.

I do find that rediculous. So what is the difference between operating a pump or ladder while under the influence compared to a K-12, Hurst, or chainsaw?

Oh yeah, DUI/DWI is state regulated vs. some dumbass wanting to protect jobs, but not the public.

That has got to be one of the freaking dumbest clauses I have seen put into a contract.

[DrParasite]

Deputy Chief Pat Donoghue said a blood-alcohol test administered
after that run found Iseminger to be above both the legal driving
limit of .08, and the department's contractual limit of .10.and just think, while most people scream at volunteer departments for not having a zero tolerance policy, this union has it in their contract that they can have alcohol as long as it keeps them below .10

absolutely amazing

btw, I say fire him if it's true.

[firemanjb]

Is anyone else scared that the Department's contract has a higher limit than the states legal one? What does that say about the Department? :eek:

By contract and city policy, we cannot be 0.02 or higher. I've heard that number is the limit because it represents a statistically reliable point of detection. Despite the limit, General Order forbids the consumption of alcohol while on duty and forbids reporting for duty in a condition other than ready for duty.

[Bones42]

.02 I can understand, .10 I can't.