Oh no, a Vermont fire chief is dealing with a hangover and the aftermath of a few bad decisions. He was caught drunk, with multiple open containers in a department-owned SUV with government plates. He was stopped due to being unable to stay in his lane. 

Vermont fire chief busted with DWI in department emergency vehicle 

A police officer spotted a grey Ford Explorer on Interstate 89 near Route 3A driving erratically. The SUV made an abnormally wide turn, crossed into other lanes, and side-swiped bushes over the fog line. 

The SUV was drifting and weaving uncontrollably, so the officer turned on his lights and pulled the SUV over. He noticed it had government plates, a light bar, and a firefighter decal. This means it was a city-owned emergency vehicle. 

According to the Union Leader, the driver identified himself as 48-year-old Derry Fire Chief Shawn Haggert. He had an overwhelming odor of alcohol on his breath. The officer spotted rum and Coke cocktails, Mai Tai cocktails, and empty cans. 

Not only was the contraband in plain sight, but Haggart had slurred speech and glossy eyes. He admitted to drinking four alcoholic beverages earlier in the evening, but denies drinking while driving. 

Haggart had trouble maintaining his balance and following basic directions after consenting to standardized field sobriety tests. He was charged with DWI, and the Derry Fire SUV was towed to the Bow Police Station. 

Now his driver’s license is suspended for nine months. He must pay $620 in fines and take a 20-hour Impaired Driver Education Program. Currently, he remains on paid leave.