Fire marshal accused of responding to fire under the influence

LOVELAND, Colo. — A fire marshal in Loveland has been placed on administrative leave after he allegedly responded to a fire under the influence of alcohol Sunday.

The Loveland Reporter Herald reported Fire Marshall Merlin Green, 54, has been charged with misdemeanor driving while ability impaired.

Green responded Sunday to a fire at Fatso’s Restaurant in a Chevrolet Trailblazer belonging to the Loveland Fire Rescue Authority. At the scene he smelled of alcohol and was interviewed by police officers, the newspaper reported.

Green failed to complete roadside sobriety tests and his blood alcohol level was reported to be just below the limit of driving under the influence, according to a report from Loveland police.

Green is a 27-year veteran of the fire department and is also the chief of the department’s community safety division.

Fire Chief Randy Mirowski told the newspaper Green was on scene to investigate the fire and never worked on the fire or created a safety hazard.

“Chief Green has been an outstanding employee, he has contributed greatly to our organization and our city,” Mirowski told the newspaper. “In my view, he’s made a mistake.”