AMERICUS — A former Americus Fire Chief, and current fire Chief for Tarpon Springs, Fla has been suspended after admitting to city officials that he responded to a fire after he had been drinking.
Chief Stephen Moreno, who has led the department since 2005, was placed on administrative leave Wednesday.
Officials say firefighters responded to a mattress fire the night of Jan. 14. According to reports from other fire officials at the scene, Moreno showed up in civilian clothing and began issuing orders that contradicted what firefighters had already been ordered to do, creating confusion at the scene.
Moreno acknowledged that he had been out socially when the fire call came in but said a significant time had passed since he had consumed alcohol.
The home's owner, Dr. Frederick Roever, died in the fire.
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