A battalion chief with the Wilmington Fire Department is on unpaid leave after he was given a Breathalyzer test and driven home from the scene of this morning’s train derailment at Love Grove, according to a news release from the City of Wilmington.
Battalion Chief Jimmy Casteen was immediately placed on administrative leave without pay, and an investigation is pending, said the release.
It did not divulge the result of the breath test or explain what led to it. “This is all the information we have at this time,” the city said.
Casteen is facing a driving-while-impaired charge for a separate incident on December 16, 2012. Police and court records show Casteen was arrested at 10:49 p.m. that night in the 5400 block of Ivocet Drive in Wilmington and is scheduled to appear in New Hanover County District Court on July 29.
Regarding Friday’s incident, “The city is gathering additional information and will meet Monday morning to determine a course of action,” said the city, noting fire personnel were still dealing with the derailment at the time.
Related story: Train derailment cuts off access to Love Grove community
The city’s release also quotes Wilmington Fire Chief Buddy Martinette as saying: “We take such situations very seriously and will take any needed action as soon as possible. The safety of our citizens and the credibility of the fire department are of utmost importance and we will act accordingly.”
Casteen was hired by the city in July 1987 and, though on unpaid leave, currently earns an annual salary of $69,342, according to the city.
Ben Brown is a news reporter at Port City Daily. Reach him at [email protected] or (910) 772-6335. On Twitter: @benbrownmedia
