By MES Dispatch Staff
The Briefing
- A Smithfield, Virginia, firefighter has been charged with driving under the influence after Engine 52 overturned Sept. 21 while responding to a possible structure fire on Lakeview Cove.
- Virginia State Police confirmed Oct. 6 that the driver, William Collins, 31, faces charges of DUI and failure to drive on the right side of the center of the highway.
- Collins was the only person in the engine; he was taken to a local hospital for evaluation and later released.
- The Smithfield Volunteer Fire Department said it is cooperating with state police and will conduct its own administrative and safety review.
- Collins is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
SMITHFIELD, Va. — A Smithfield firefighter faces charges of driving under the influence of alcohol after the fire engine he was driving overturned while responding to a call last month, according to Virginia State Police and WAVY.
Engine 52 overturned Sept. 21 as it responded to a possible structure fire on Lakeview Cove. Officials said the driver, 31-year-old William Collins, was the only person aboard. He was taken to a local hospital for evaluation and later released.
On Oct. 6, Virginia State Police confirmed that Collins faces charges of driving under the influence of alcohol and failure to drive on the right side of the center of the highway in connection with the crash.
The Smithfield Volunteer Fire Department said it will continue to cooperate with state police and will conduct its own internal administrative and safety review. In a statement, the department said it takes the matter seriously and remains committed to the safety of its members and the public.