What makes this story even sadder is the firefighters that tried to "aid" the intoxicated driver of the truck by taking him to a local pub and pumping water into him in an attempt to falsify the blood alcohol level. That is incredibly bad judgment on their part. Why do so many folks make bad situations worse by their actions after the fact. Camaraderie and brotherhood are one thing. But the ramifications of their actions on their families and their lives and on the biker are inexcusable.
This is old school stuff and in no way should be tolerated. There are potentially a lot of careers on the line here, from the driver and officer to everyone in the station who had knowledge.
Many years ago I have seen things in the fire house that would result in termination today. Some things incomprehensible given today's climate. But, when the officers are part of the problem and can't expect more from the subordinates.
And as much as I respect my union sometimes it does not work for the better.
Example, not saying which department, but..........
Getting hired and a very competitive market means having a clean record and driving history. Unless of course you know someone.
Then an prior DUI is over looked.
Suppose you don't give up your habits and get another DUI conviction and now your career is on the line because you can't drive without a license?
No problem, because of state and federal laws all you have to do is throw your hands up and say I have a problem and you get a 6 month vacation at a re-hab and all is forgiven.
With random substance abuse screening, you never know when your name comes up.
Your name comes up, you go pee, you fail............
But what if the name pulled was actually a sibling and they sent the wrong "person"?
The union steps in and fights for the member and will of course win due to a technicality.
Maybe it wasn't really a sibling's name but you have someone watching over you and that is the way it is made out to be?
Of course, the way to reward all of this is to get promoted.
The above is true and happens way more then many think.