All,

Every once in a while we like to "pass on" actions that some take related to AVOIDING things going wrong, close calls or direct hits. This would be one of those cases. This is a memo sent to the members of the San Antonio Fire Department by their Chief, Charles Hood a few weeks ago. It's pretty simple and clearly spelled out regarding his and the departments stand on driving while intoxicated.

How do you argue with a boss who is looking out for his people, their family and the other innocent victims of DUI? You can't. Well-I guess you can. You can also argue that water on a fire isn't a priority. But anyway....

Here is Chief Hoods letter as written:

Dear Members of the San Antonio Fire Department Family:

Throughout my tenure as Fire Chief I have had the unpleasant responsibility of addressing a wide range of disciplinary issues related to both on and off duty conduct. One area that has become increasingly troublesome is that of Firefighters arrested for the offense of driving while intoxicated.

In 2010, the San Antonio Fire Department rolled out a labor-management joint initiative that included alcohol awareness education and a disciplinary model intended to deter personnel from engaging in this type of conduct. At this point in time, it has become clear that this program did not produce the desired results. To the contrary, we have now witnessed a number of repeat offenders. It appears inevitable that, sooner or later, a member of our department will make the decision to drink and drive resulting in the serious injury or death of themselves and/or others. It is my duty to insure that I do everything within my power to see that this never happens. As emergency response personnel, we are all very cognizant of the devastating impact impaired drivers have on our community. It must become the goal of our department to reduce, and ultimately eliminate, the number of instances in which our Firefighters operate motor vehicles while intoxicated.

This memo shall serve as notice to all uniformed personnel that, effective immediately, the first offense of driving while intoxicated will result in an indefinite suspension. Based upon circumstances surrounding the arrest, a release and settlement agreement may be offered to the employee that will include a minimum sixty day suspension, as-well-as rehabilitation and counseling requirements. A second offense for driving while intoxicated will result in termination.

It is my sincere hope that this disciplinary model will effectively convey the severity of driving while intoxicated and deter personnel from engaging in this destructive behavior. I cannot do this alone; each and every employee must do their part. Discipline is a reactive necessity and we clearly need progressive steps to prevent these occurrences from happening. Plan your activities accordingly if you know you will be drinking alcohol. Having a designated driver is always preferable, but when that is not an option, personnel can take advantage of the "Take the High Road on the Highway Program" through Deer Oaks EAP Services. Deer Oaks will reimburse eligible employees and their dependents for cab fare in the event that they are incapacitated due to impairment by a substance or extreme emotional condition.

We must also identify our duty to take care of one another. Do not let a fellow Firefighter who has been drinking drive or operate a vehicle. If you have not been drinking, then offer our sister or brother a ride, or assist them by finding them a safe way home. We are leaders in our community and the patrons of our city look to us as an example of honor, duty, and courage. Remain steadfast on maintaining our high standards of service to our community and to each other.

Finally, the fire service has a well documented culture of enablement, and the SAFD is no different. If you have an alcohol or substance abuse problem, or know someone that does, be proactive and seek out the help necessary before a truly life changing event occurs to you or someone you care about. You are our most valuable resource and we have created numerous programs to assist, help, and guide you through our Employee Assistance Program. Please do not hesitate to reach out for help.

Thanks to each and every one of you for what you do. Yours in Service,
Charles N. Hood, Fire Chief

END

Some may like what he is doing-and some may not...but the bottom line is that it is now very CLEAR to members what the repercussions will be when they are proven to place themselves and others in harms way. Sometimes we have to save us from ourselves.

Take Care. Be Careful. Pass it On.

BillyG

The Secret List 12/19/2014-1520 Hours