Five members of the Undercliff Volunteer Fire Company in Shaler Township have been temporarily relieved of their duties, pending the outcome of an investigation into allegations of improper conduct. According to WPXI, the firefighters are suspected of attending a recent emergency call while possibly under the influence. The fire company confirmed the suspensions are protocol and promised to "follow our internal disciplinary review process."
Details of the incident, which emerged from an emergency call on East Genesee Avenue on August 2nd, suggest the firefighters responded to a false alarm about an odor of smoke inside a house. After their arrival, concerns were raised about their sobriety, although no injuries or damages occurred as a result of the incident. WTAE reported that Shaler Township Manager, in a statement, said, "Once a decision is made by the Board of Directors regarding the status of the firefighters involved, the township will review the facts of the internal investigation and decide if additional action needs to be taken."
The matter came to light when a resident lodged an anonymous complaint with the township, raising questions about the firefighters' condition during the call. WTAE has reported former Shaler’s manager consultant Tim Rogers as confirming that the township brought the concern to the attention of the fire department, which had already initiated action regarding the matter.
Shaler Township officials and the company's board of directors are actively assessing the situation to determine the next steps. Body camera footage from police officers present at the scene is also under review.
