Centerville, IA, Fire Chief Disciplined for Responding Hours after Drinking Beer

Fire Chief Vern Milburn, who blew a .02 on a breathalyzer, has admitted his wrongdoing and accepted disciplinary action.

May 11, 2024

Centerville Fire Chief Vern Milburn has admitted he was wrong to respond to a recent water rescue call, even if it was hours after he drank beer.

He was placed on administrative leave during an internal investigation, according to KTVO.

Milburn had a blood alcoholic content of .026, which is below the legal limit to operate a motor vehicle in Iowa. He also drove his personal vehicle to the fire station and rode in an apparatus.

Though he violated the zero-tolerance policy, Milburn reportedly took command of the scene and made the appropriate call against deploying a rescue boat, the station reported.

“Our staff are not trained for swift water rescue and did not have a boat with a motor or lights to perform the rescue safely,” Milburn said.

Details of the discipline have not been disclosed.