Montgomery County Fire Official Crash Investigation Questionable

Last November 30th, Montgomery County Assistant Fire Chief, Gregory DeHaven, was involved in a crash in which he struck multiple vehicles including a police cruiser, becoming airborne in the process.

Having represented numerous drivers who were victims of such dramatic crashes, we at Clark and Steinhorn know that the investigation afterwards would typically be quite thorough, particularly when alcohol was reportedly involved.

Inexplicably, this investigation was not. A report issued by Chief Investigator, Thomas Dagley, reports that six witnesses who observed Mr. DeHaven at the scene were not interviewed. They allegedly observed slurred speech, prominent odor of alcohol and several near falls by the Assistant Fire Chief.

One of the crash victims was apparently approached by Mr. DeHaven and asked if the car crash could be resolved without the involvement of the police. This individual also smelled the odor of alcohol and reported DeHaven had trouble standing.

The police did not timely request a blood alcohol test and issued a ticket for failure to control vehicle, a $130.00 fine. When tested three hours later DeHaven's blood alcohol was almost double the legal limit.

DeHaven was fired as a result of this incident and is appealing that dismissal. The inevitable question: was he allowed to skate on a DUI because of his position or connections?