Fort Worth firefighter fired for smoking meth

FORT WORTH —  A Fort Worth firefighter has been fired after he failed a random drug test and admitted to officials that he'd smoked methamphetamine, civil service documents show.

Leslie A. McConnell's indefinite suspension took effect Wednesday. He has appealed.

McConnell tested positive for methamphetamines during a random drug test taken on Oct. 9, according to the letter filed last week with the Civil Service Commission and signed by Fire Chief Rudy Jackson.

Prior to the department being notified about the test results, McConnell had told a captain that the test would come back positive and that he was sorry and had made a mistake. He also told the captain that he was currently in out-patient treatment, the letter states.

During a meeting with fire officials on Nov. 7, McConnell admitted to smoking meth three times, most recently the weekend before his random drug test, the letter states.

McConnell had been with the fire department since August 1999. 

- Deanna Boyd

Comments

[Rusty White]

For me the question is, was it while on duty??? If so,fire him! If not mind your own dam* business!!!

[Belinda Garza]

Yes, Rusty White, i want someone who smokes meth "off duty" to be working my vehicle accident, my housefire, my medical emergency, etc. It is my dam* business. Seriously.

[Gregg]

the time to tell your boss about this little problem is before the test, not after. That way maybe you can get help and get clean.

[balanced]

It wasn't on duty. According to state civil service law, and city personnel rules, illegal drug use is grounds for termination. It makes sense. If he's smoking meth off duty and has been awake for 3 days straight from meth, do you want him performing medical care on you?

[Jim Merritt]

Rusty, I do not care how much drugs you MIGHT do and I agree it's none of my business, but if you are any type of first responder then I DAM@ sure do not want you doing any type of drugs that just might hinder your response to my assistance. Plus I just hope that you are not driving on any roadways and taking a chance of taking anyone else out because you are not able to react while behind the wheel.