Volunteer firefighter accused of drunk driving

Loudoun County sheriff’s investigators busted five volunteer firefighters for taking a fire truck out cruising in Hamilton. Authorities said the firefighter behind the wheel not only took the keys without asking, but was driving while intoxicated.

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The sheriff’s department said 27-year-old Sean Swanson nearly had a head-on crash with a Loudoun County deputy on Harmony Church Road early Saturday morning. The officer had to swerve into a ditch to avoid the truck.

Authorities said Swanson had four passengers in the retired pumper truck – one of whom was also a Leesburg police officer. Another was a 19-year-old female firefighter.

Investigators said radar caught them going 67 miles an hour in the two-lane road, which is 17 miles over the posted speed limit.

“Sounds like it was a pretty dumb thing to do,” said Bill Donohue, a Hamilton resident.

Investigators said Swanson’s recorded blood alcohol content was 0.08 after the deputy caught up with him.

ABC7 tried to contact Swanson for comment at his home, located next to the old fire station where the older model pumper is stored. ABC7 received no response.

“I'm very disappointed and I do support MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving),” said Susie Moore, a Hamilton resident. “I'm very disappointed and I just think drunk driving is crazy.”

 

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