Mahtomedi mayor: Tighter screening of firefighters needed
Published 10:20 am Thursday, January 29, 2015
MAHTOMEDI — The mayor of Mahtomedi thinks mental health evaluations might be in order for potential firefighters and paramedics in light of a recent local homicide.
Firefighter Bailey Garcia is accused of fatally shooting David Frigaard last weekend as the victim sat in his truck at a stop sign. Garcia’s attorney said his client has some “serious psychological issues.”
Mahtomedi, unlike bigger cities such as Minneapolis and St. Paul, does not require a mental health exam before a firefighter is hired. Garcia was a probationary employee, but still had after-hour access to the fire department. Investigators said that’s where Garcia used a wire cutter to remove the trigger lock from his rifle.
Mayor Judson Marshall will ask the fire chief, the City Council and Washington County Sheriff’s Office to discuss psychological tests for firefighters and paramedics.