Firefighter DWIs a Problem at Austin Fire Department

More than one-third of the Austin Fire Department’s disciplinary measures since 2009 have been for alleged drunken driving incidents.

The Austin American-Statesman reviewed the department’s internal disciplinary records from 2009 until July. It found 18 of 50 disciplinary measures were DWI-related. About 22 percent of the reprimands were for other alcohol or drug incidents.

About 3 percent of the police department’s disciplinary measures were comparatively DWI-related.

All but one of the firefighters and one of the police officers disciplined were arrested and charged. It’s unclear how many have been convicted.

A fire department spokesman says it’s unclear what causes the DWI rate and any answer would be speculation.

Fire departments in Dallas and San Antonio had a smaller percentage of DWI-related disciplinary actions.