Dearborn Fire Chief Back On Job Despite DUI Charge

DEARBORN, MI — Despite being charged in an August drunk driving incident, Dearborn Fire Chief Joseph Murray remains at work, the Dearborn Mayor's Office confirmed to Patch.

Joseph Patrick Murray, 44, was charged with two counts of operating while intoxicated on Wednesday, according to the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office. His next court date is scheduled for Dec. 1.

The charges came just two days after Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud reinstated Murray.

"The choice to retain Chief Murray derives from balancing a two-decades-long career in public service and the humility to not evaluate an individual in their darkest moments," Hammoud told Patch. "I am confident that Dearborn residents will be served well by Chief Murray as he works towards continuing his duties in full."

The chief was stopped by officers on Aug. 29 in the area of Telegraph Road and Dartmouth Street in Dearborn Heights around 3 a.m. while he was driving 15 miles per hour over the speed limit and weaving in the road, prosecutors said.

Murray was then placed on administrative leave as Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud vowed appropriate action once more facts became available.

Murray oversees more than 125 firefighters who work out of five fire stations.