A San Antonio firefighter received a 30-day unpaid suspension after testing positive for marijuana in a random drug test, according to disciplinary records obtained by the San Antonio Express-News.<\/p>\n
Fire Chief Valerie Frausto issued the suspension to firefighter Rocky Bronco, effective May 1, according to a suspension notice and settlement agreement signed April 30.<\/p>\n
Bronco tested positive for marijuana in a random drug test on Nov. 24 and “failed to provide a valid prescription,” the suspension notice says.<\/p>\n
The notice cited him for conduct prejudicial to good order and violations of four fire department rules, including policies against the use, possession or sale of narcotics and other controlled substances.<\/p>\n
Frausto initially proposed an indefinite suspension, which would have ended Bronco’s employment. She agreed to reduce the discipline after a settlement meeting allowed under the city’s collective bargaining agreement with the fire union.<\/p>\n
Under the settlement, Bronco must complete a rehabilitation program and provide a negative drug test. He could also face random follow-up drug tests for two years after returning to work.<\/p>\n
Bronco’s case, which involved alleged recreational marijuana use, comes as local and state leaders have sharply criticized Frausto’s disciplinary decisions.<\/p>\n
The International Association of Firefighters censured Frausto in August<\/a> and accused her of “improperly” disciplining firefighters on “numerous occasions,” including the firing of firefighter and paramedic Zachary Crumley.<\/p>\n Crumley said he was fired in May for using low-dose THC despite having a prescription that should have been valid under the firefighters’ union’s labor agreement with the city.<\/p>\n A dozen state senators and representatives demanded in a July letter<\/a> that city officials review his case.<\/p>\n Subscribe<\/p>\n There’s more to San Antonio with the Express-News. Subscribe today for just 25\u00a2.<\/a><\/p>\n