ORLANDO, Fla. — The Orlando Fire Department recently demoted a district chief for being drunk on the job while in uniform, officials told WFTV. However, WFTV learned that he was given his district chief position back.
Officials said that Orlando Fire District Chief Jerry Keith was demoted to a lieutenant after drinking beer while in uniform and showing up at an off-duty city event intoxicated in April 2010.
But because the city failed to gather enough evidence to prove Keith was drunk, he was given his original position back, even though he admitted he was intoxicated and had been drinking in uniform earlier that day.
"When it was reported Jerry was acting different, there was a failure to conduct a drug or alcohol test," said Union president Steve Clelland. "There was no evidence that Jerry was under the influence."
Keith told investigators he had a drinking problem and was embarrassed by his actions.
On the day he reported to the off-duty job, other firefighters said they witnessed Keith fall at one point. They said he smelled of beer and was staggering.
Keith later went to Gino's Pizza to get food for the firefighters. A citizen at the pizza parlor said he thought Keith was drunk and filed a complaint.
Another fire chief then drove the Keith back to the fire station to try to figure out what to do next, WFTV was told.
The other chief told Keith to stay upstairs in the dorm room, but when they went to find him, Keith had taken a set of keys and left, according to a report.
Reports show the city was unable to track down Keith and he didn't answer his cellphone.
WFTV tried to get a comment from Keith to see if his drinking problem was under control, but to no avail.
Keith will get his title of District Chief back on April 6, as long as he doesn't have any relapses.
As a lieutenant, he made close to $82,000 a year. His salary will be $97,000 next month.
The fire chief said he did not fire Keith because Keith was trying to get help for his problems.
WFTV
