STONE MOUNTAIN, Ga. --
CBS Atlanta has uncovered records showing a DeKalb County firefighter accused of being drunk on the job responded to at least two emergency calls on the morning in question.
The firefighter, Bill Corbett, is now on paid leave along with a fire captain at Station 24 in Stone Mountain. They are among several firefighters now accused of being drunk on duty during last week’s major winter storm.
Fire Chief Eddie O’Brien told CBS Atlanta he was not aware that Corbett had responded to emergency calls.
“It’s another kink in the investigation,” said O’Brien by phone on Wednesday.
Tuesday, O’Brien briefed county commissioners on the investigation and told them that public safety was never on the line. Commissioner Elaine Boyer told CBS Atlanta that commissioners were assured the firefighters under investigation never touched county equipment.
CBS Atlanta took its tough questions to O’Brien’s boss, Public Safety Director William Miller.
“Why would he yesterday assure them (commissioners) that none of the equipment was touched?” asked Reporter Renee Starzyk. “I do not know,” said Miller.
Miller said he was not informed that Corbett responded to emergency calls last Wednesday morning.
"You were not aware he (Corbett) was in a truck and responding to 911 calls?" Starzyk asked. "I have not seen that report," said Williams.
"You don't know, and you oversee the fire department?" asked Starzyk. "Well, I'm Chief O'Brien's manager," Williams replied. “Based on what has been told to me up to this point, public safety was never jeopardized or compromised,” said Miller.
The firefighters are accused of spending Tuesday night drinking at Twain’s bar in Decatur. Sources said they then went to the fire station where the partying continued. They reported to duty hours later.
“Should an employee who’s found to be drunk on the job be fired?” Starzyk asked.
Williams replied, “If our employee code calls for it, yes.”
County leaders told CBS Atlanta the investigation into the firefighters should be completed in two weeks, though it may take longer as new information is uncovered.
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