For Dallas firefighters and paramedics, saving lives is a calling. But what happens when one of their own needs saving?
The recent suicide of one of Dallas Fire-Rescue’s nearly 1,900-member force is bringing uncomfortable conversations to the forefront.
Earlier this year, the 37-year-old firefighter was arrested on a DWI charge. Under the department’s policy, he was put into a two-year rehabilitation program that required him to take regular breathalyzer and drug tests. After failing a breathalyzer test earlier this month, the nine-year veteran went home and killed himself. Blood alcohol content of .02 or higher, significantly less than the .08 for regular drivers, is considered a failure.