Crime & Safety
Cobb Firefighters, Police Officer Focus of Steroid Probe
They have been with the county fire and police agencies between seven and 26 years.
by Rodney Thrash
One firefighter and one police officer have resigned in the wake of allegations that Cobb County employees "may have consumed and/or distributed steroids without a prescription."
A total of five firefighters and one police officer are under investigation, county spokesman Robert Quigley said in a statement.
That investigation by the county's internal affairs unit started May 20 after the Marietta Cobb Smyrna Narcotics Unit received a tip that a former firefighter may have illegally used steroids in 2010, he said. Following additional claims that other firefighters and a police officer could be involved, the investigation expanded, Quigley said. The investigation is expected to continue for the "next several weeks," he said.
There are no indications that the alleged distribution or use of steroids occurred on county property or while the employees were on duty, Quigley said. However, Cobb County has a zero tolerance policy for the possession or consumption of controlled substances unless directed by a physician.
"We expect our employees to follow the rules, to set a positive example for those around them and to hold themselves to the highest standards of conduct both on and off duty," county manager David Hankerson said. "This investigation will let us know how these employees acted and if they broke the rules."
Pending the conclusion of the investigation, three firefighters have been placed on administrative leave, Quigley said. Another firefighter remains on the job.
FAST FACTS
One firefighter and one police officer have resigned in the wake of allegations that Cobb County employees "may have consumed and/or distributed steroids without a prescription."
A total of five firefighters and one police officer are under investigation, county spokesman Robert Quigley said in a statement.
That investigation by the county's internal affairs unit started May 20 after the Marietta Cobb Smyrna Narcotics Unit received a tip that a former firefighter may have illegally used steroids in 2010, he said. Following additional claims that other firefighters and a police officer could be involved, the investigation expanded, Quigley said. The investigation is expected to continue for the "next several weeks," he said.
There are no indications that the alleged distribution or use of steroids occurred on county property or while the employees were on duty, Quigley said. However, Cobb County has a zero tolerance policy for the possession or consumption of controlled substances unless directed by a physician.
"We expect our employees to follow the rules, to set a positive example for those around them and to hold themselves to the highest standards of conduct both on and off duty," county manager David Hankerson said. "This investigation will let us know how these employees acted and if they broke the rules."
Pending the conclusion of the investigation, three firefighters have been placed on administrative leave, Quigley said. Another firefighter remains on the job.
FAST FACTS
Five firefighters and one police officer are under investigation amidst allegations that six Cobb County employees may have consumed or distributed steroids without prescriptions, county spokesman Robert Quigley said. They have been with the county fire and police agencies between seven and 26 years.
- Employee 1: Fire Department, 7 year employee, resigned
- Employee 2: Fire Department, 15 year employee, administrative leave
- Employee 3: Fire Department, 22 year employee, remains on duty
- Employee 4: Fire Department, 24 year employee, administrative leave
- Employee 5: Fire Department, 26 year employee, administrative leave
- Employee 6: Police Department, 7 year employee, resigned
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