retiredfireman

I agree there's no excuse, but that's what drugs will do to someone over time. No inhibitions and no care for anyone else. Just living in whatever moment is there. All I can say about him getting in the FD is you would be amazed at how many FF's have drug or alcohol problems because of the job. I'm sure Medics are in the same boat, since most of them work dual certified a lot of the time and the job is sometimes the same. This profession can have a way of making even the strongest person lose their mind over time and turn to substances to dull things out. I would doubt many if any knew about his problems within the fire service, but I wouldn't doubt that the majority of the dept has their own major issues and aren't concerned with his. That's the sad reality of it. The "brotherhood" at least in these areas really doesn't apply too much, and that's pretty depressing in its own right.

I don't believe his dept did screening but they may have done randoms I'm not sure of that. Like I said there is a lot more to the case including the cousin who at 15 has already been in and out of rehabs, psych wards, suicide attempts you name it. Their family as a whole is a very troubled family. Not that it makes him right at all, but trust me she was a very troubled youth who lived pretty much as an adult herself. A lot of us wish he had been helped before all of this. All most of us can be somewhat glad for is that he didn't OD and while his life will be screwed for many years, he still has the chance to live a good part of his life making ammends for his actions.

As a friend of Chris and his family, I can tell you that there is a lot to the story as always. No one can condone his actions or behaviors and it is pretty nasty. That being said, his choices led him to having some major issues with drugs and while it shouldn't be an excuse, he was definitely not himself the last couple years before this happened. It's just really sad what drugs can do to someone, even someone who has been a good person throughout life. Anyone who knew him before his troubles knows what really is inside. His trial is tomorrow, and he is expected to plea bargin for a 10 year sentence. I know that the last year he has been locked up have cleaned him up from the drugs, and he is accepting of his punishment. I know in our business there is a lot of sick humor and that's how we deal or have dealt with sick things. This is no different, but it just goes to show how drugs can rip through someones life and ruin a good part of it that's for sure. No one should pass judgement, you never know what can happen throughout your life to bring you to a bad point. It may be a different decision and you may not ever make the one(s) he did, but we all need to remember that crappy things like this can end up happening to most of us if we're not always on top of things. Let the bashing begin, but I hope some still have some type of heart.