WAYLAND, MA -- A Boston firefighter was arrested for marijuana possession and two motor vehicle charges Sunday afternoon.
Michael D. Hogan, 31, of 42 Bates Ave. in Weymouth was charged with possession of marijuana, operating a motor vehicle with a suspended registration and an inspection sticker violation. Hogan was arraigned in Framingham District Court on Monday morning.
The firefighter was stopped by police at 1:30 p.m. on Main Street, near Wayland's Fire Station 2, for an invalid inspection sticker, said police. A background check revealed that Hogan's registration was also suspended.
Police said they then found a small amount of marijuana inside Hogan's vehicle.
Boston Fire Department spokesman Scott Salmon said it is department policy for employees to report whether they appear in court, but was unable to confirm by press deadline whether Hogan had done so.
"If he were arrested or anything, and he didn't inform the fire department, that's an offense," Salmon said.
Employees who fail to report an arrest can be placed on administrative leave.
Salmon said the Boston Fire Department handles substance abuse issues on a case-by-case basis. "Our policy is, first of all, look at the severity of the case," Salmon said.
Employees who are charged with drug possession are immediately screened for substance abuse. If the employee tests positive, they are placed on administrative leave and enter the department's Employee Assistance Program, which treats substance and mental health issues.
For a year following a positive drug test, an employee can undergo random drug screening. If the employee tests positive a second time, it could be grounds for termination, he said.
