2 Detroit firefighters suspended following allegations of drinking on the job

DETROIT - Two Detroit firefighters were suspended following an investigation into potential alcohol-related abuse while on the job.

Deputy fire chief Dave Fornell confirmed the suspensions after saying the driver of a fire rig was suspected of operating the vehicle while under the influence of liquor.

A total of four firefighters had been out picking up carry-out food at a Melvindale bar on Feb. 11 when a 911 call was reportedly made. Fornell denied reports that the firefighters had gotten in a fight when the call was made. 

The fire rig was allegedly parked in an unsafe way at the Hops & Barley Bar & Grill, which prompted the 911 call.

All four firefighters were tested for alcohol once they returned to the fire house. One test came back positive for alcohol above a low threshold amount. Another test was inconclusive. Both firefighters were put on unpaid leave.

The results from tests of the other two firefighters came back negative. 

The Detroit Fire Department has come under scrutiny over the past year following reports of alcohol abuse among crew members that led to multiple accidents. In one incident, a firefighter smashed into a parked car while on a medical run. Then a week later, a fire captain crashed a department SUV while on the way to a call. 

"I was angry, I was outraged, we don't condone this type of behavior," former Detroit Fire Commissioner Eric Jones said at the time.

An internal probe as well as an alcohol treatment program was established to manage abuse among firefighters, which had previously been documented.