Saturday, January 12, 2008

Fire truck overturns, driver arrested for DWI

Clara Garcia News-Bulletin Staff Writer; cgarcia@news-bulletin.com

El Cerro Mission A volunteer Meadow Lake firefighter was arrested Thursday night on suspicion of DWI after the tanker truck he was driving flipped while en route to a structure fire.

Leopoldo Gutierrez, 23, is being held in the Valencia County Adult Detention Center on a single count of aggravated DWI. His bond has been set at $7,500 cash or surety.

Gutierrez, and fellow firefighter, 49-year-old Fred Arleth, were responding to a structure fire in El Cerro Mission when the crash occurred. Valencia County Sheriff's Deputy Ed Chavez said Gutierrez was traveling on Van Camp, at an unknown speed, and attempted to turn on Bonita Vista, when the tanker truck overturned, landing in a field about 50 yards from the road.

Valencia County Fire Chief Charles Eaton said both Gutierrez and Arleth sustained injuries, including lacerations and bruises. Arleth also suffered a dislocated shoulder.

"During the interview with deputies, he (Gutierrez) was asked if he had been drinking," Chavez said. "He said he had a hot toddy and had taken some cold medicine."

The deputy said, when asked if he would take a breathalyzer test or submit to a blood test, Gutierrez refused. Both Gutierrez and Arleth were transported to the University of New Mexico Hospital where they were treated and later released. Gutierrez was then taken into custody.

Eaton said Gutierrez has been placed on suspension from the fire department. His future with the county fire service will be determined on the outcome of an investigation and criminal charges.

"If the conclusion is that if he's convicted, he will be dismissed from the department and relieved of his duties and responsibilities," Eaton said.

"We stress to the membership the seriousness of operating these vehicles," Eaton added. "They're large vehicles, and we stress to them that they need to be safe — not only for their own safety, but for other firefighters and the public as well."

The fire chief said every firefighter in Valencia County is responsible for adhering to guidelines regarding alcohol. He said they are not allowed to operate or even respond to a scene within 12 hours of consuming alcohol.

"We stress for our membership every day to take steps necessary to be safe," he said. "We have 150 people who operate within our system, and they're adults and expected to act like adults."

Eaton said he hopes that this incident will make firefighters and other first responders more aware that if they're found in the same situation to be more cognizant and safety conscious. He also said every firefighter who operates a department vehicle is required to take emergency vehicle operation classes and complete their training.

The fire chief said that the tanker truck sustained a considerable amount of damage. He said he's unsure if the vehicle can be repaired until an insurance adjuster investigates.

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