An Atlanta city employee is accused of drinking alcohol on the job while driving a city vehicle.
Atlanta City Councilman Michael Bond said that Gary Blackwell, an employee with the Department of Watershed Management, was drinking beer while driving in his city-issued pickup truck.
"He stopped on a hot day to get himself some beer. And then, drank that beer during the course of his activities while operating this heavy machinery – which is extremely disturbing and frightening because it puts the public at risk," said Bond.
Bond said that another city employee saw the alleged purchased and reported it to authorities.
Steps have begun to terminate Blackwell, according to city human resources officials.
Barry Martin, the executive director of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (M.A.D.D.), said that the city should have a zero tolerance on drinking while on the job.
PACE Union president Gina Pagnotta said that she has heard from other city employees that there is "a lot of drinking on the job."
Friday, May 24 2013 11:06 PM EDT2013-05-25 03:06:52 GMT
If you're hitting the road this weekend, you wont be alone. Plenty of drivers are expected to make use of the long Memorial Day weekend, both in and out of town.
If you're hitting the road this weekend, you wont be alone. Plenty of drivers are expected to make use of the long Memorial Day weekend, both in and out of town.
Friday, May 24 2013 11:00 PM EDT2013-05-25 03:00:01 GMT
An Army Reserve sergeant surprised his daughter by returning from an overseas deployment and presenting her with her diploma at high school graduation.
An Army Reserve sergeant surprised his daughter by returning from an overseas deployment and presenting her with her diploma at high school graduation.
Friday, May 24 2013 10:32 PM EDT2013-05-25 02:32:57 GMT
Authorities say more than a dozen people were injured in an accident involving a hotel shuttle bus near Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport on Friday morning.
Authorities say more than a dozen people were injured in an accident involving a hotel shuttle bus near Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport on Friday morning.
Friday, May 24 2013 10:28 PM EDT2013-05-25 02:28:55 GMT
In-depth reporting by the Druid Hills High School student newspaper on DeKalb's accreditation controversy landed the head of SACS as the school's commencement speaker on Friday.
In-depth reporting by the Druid Hills High School student newspaper on DeKalb's accreditation controversy landed the head of SACS as the school's commencement speaker on Friday.
Friday, May 24 2013 5:50 PM EDT2013-05-24 21:50:02 GMT
Memorial Day weekend marks the start of the summer boating season. Authorities are reminding folks that there are some new laws on Georgia's waterways.
Memorial Day weekend marks the start of the summer boating season. Authorities are reminding folks that there are some new laws on Georgia's waterways.