Pantego Deputy Fire Chief Robert Franklin retired after his arrest for driving while intoxicated.
Franklin was in uniform and driving a fire department vehicle when the incident occurred in late July, Fox4 reported.
Franklin picked up a stranded woman. However, after noticing his behavior and driving capabilities, she believed he was drunk and asked to be let out.
She called police after getting out of the vehicle.
Officers found Franklin in the SUV in the parking lot behind the fire station. The vehicle had sustained damage.
The deputy fire chief was in uniform when he picked up a stranded driver for a courtesy ride while twice over the legal limit for intoxication, city officials said.
Pantego Deputy Fire Chief Robert Franklin, who’s also the emergency management coordinator, was arrested for DWI on July 24 in a fire department vehicle.
City manager Joe Ashton said Franklin didn't ask for special treatment.
His blood alcohol level was double the legal limit. After being placed on administrative leave, Franklin decided to retire.
"My officers and our staff did absolutely everything they could to both treat him with respect but also treat him exactly like they would anybody else under the law," Ashton said.
