Denver Deputy Fire Chief Gives Up Role After DUI Traffic Stop

DENVER, CO — Jeremy Vigil, the deputy chief of the Denver Fire Department, resigned from that role Monday after he reportedly was pulled over in a driving-under-the-influence traffic stop in Arvada over the weekend, several media outlets reported.

According to TheDenverChannel.com, Vigil has not quit the department, but will now serve in an assistant chief role as the investigation into the allegations is conducted.

The deputy fire chief is the second-highest ranking position in the department behind chief Desmond Fulton, according to the Denver Post.

Vigil addressed his decision to step aside in a memorandum that was read to members of the department and reported by the Denver Post.

"As the deputy chief of Denver Fire Department, it is imperative to communicate to all members that effective immediately I am resigning from the role of deputy chief," Vigil said in the memorandum.

Vigil continued: "Some actions and decisions I made over the weekend are not in alignment with the visions and values of our organization. This department has incredibly dedicated, loyal, and strong people leading the way. Please continue to endeavor to make this department a leader in the fire service, and thank you for your contributions and the sacrifices that you make."

TheDenverChannel.com reported that the 49-year-old Vigil was arrested in Arvada, though said the arrest reports were not immediately available. Vigil —who was driving a company car, but was off the clock —refused to take a breathalyzer or blood test, TheDenverChannel.com reported.

Greg Pixley, a spokesman for the Denver Fire Department, told TheDenverChannel.com that it is
"not uncommon for firefighters all the way up to the chief rank to have take-home vehicles."

Though Pixley said Vigil had no previous DUI arrests, TheDenverChannel.com uncovered records that showed Vigil was charged with a DUI in 1994, prior to him joining the fire department.

Pixley said that Vigil currently is taking earned time off from the department, and that a decision will be made on disciplinary action once Vigil returns.

Armando Saldate III, the nominee for executive director of the Denver Department of Public Safety, said in a statement that the Public Integrity Division has opened an internal investigation into the incident.

If convicted of the driving offense, TheDenverChannel.com reported that Vigil could face a 30-day suspension from the Fire Department or even be terminated due to the serious nature of driving under the influence while in a company vehicle.