Jan 28, 2008 5:19 pm US/Central
Dallas Firefighter Investigated For Arson & DWI
DALLAS (CBS 11 / TXA 21) ―
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Dallas firefighter Michael Sean Taylor
Dallas Fire Rescue
A Dallas firefighter is under investigation for arson and driving while intoxicated.
Early Monday morning, Dallas Fire Rescue responded to a small brush fire near South Masters Drive and Old Seagoville Road. When rescuers arrived they found 34-year-old Michael Sean Taylor near the fire with a gas can.
Dallas police also performed a field sobriety test which Taylor reportedly failed.
"As firefighters we're worried about who he is as a person," said Dallas Fire Rescue Lt. Joel Lavender. "As a fire department we're worried about public safety and that's why we take this as such a serious matter."
Taylor is a seven-year veteran of the department and is on paid leave. He was arrested and released from jail Monday.
Off-camera Taylor told CBS 11 News that he was drinking whiskey Sunday night and that he has a drinking problem.
Fire officials say Taylor is on administrative leave and an internal investigation is underway.
"We're held to a higher standard, and we should be, because our job is not only to help you in times of need but it's also about public trust," Lavender explained. "And we've got to keep public trust in the police and fire service."
Taylor is a firefighter and paramedic at Fire Station # 51, which is located near the site where he was arrested.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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