Firefighter Who Allegedly Drove Drunk in Newton Fired

A firefighter who allegedly drove drunk in Newton was among two fired by the Brookline Board of Selectmen this week.

The board fired firefighter Jeremy Joseph, who is accused of driving drunk on Oct. 10 in Newton, crashing into another vehicle, injuring the driver and fleeing the scene.

Firefighter Joseph Ward, 37, was also fired by Brookline’s board. Ward was arrested on Oct. 11 for allegedly punching a man in the face when Ward thought he took too long to order food at a taco restaurant.

“Terminating career employees is one of the most difficult actions a Selectman can take,” Selectmen said in a statement. “But in these cases the actions of the employees were egregious, violating the rules and regulations of the fire department and damaging the reputation and credibility of the fire department and the town.”

“These firefighters were fired without even an attempt at investigating the true circumstances of the incidents,” Paul Trahon, president of Brookline Local 950, said in a statement. “Their terminations were without just cause or due process, and will be appealed.”