Cuffee died of a drug overdose inside the firehouse
FirefighterNation Staff
CHARLESTON, West Virginia — Local news outlets are reporting that a criminal investigation has begun in the on-duty death of a Charleston firefighter in July.
FirefighterNation: Charleston, WV Dies While on Duty
USFA: West Virginia On-Duty Death
WSAZ reported that Charleston Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin, Police Chef James Hunt, and Fire Chief Jeffery Jackson, held a press conference about the death of Firefighter/Medic Jason Cuffee on Tuesday.
A toxicology report showed traces of Fentanyl and Xylazine in Firefighter Cuffee’s system.
Police Chief Hunt told WV Metro News that Xylazine is used as a tranquilizer for animals. He also said the department is not familiar with that drug in the Charleston area.
Cuffee was found unresponsive by coworkers inside Fire Station 3 when he failed to respond to a call on July 19.
He died at the hospital the next day.
Officials told WSAZ that no narcotics were found and seized inside the fire station and that none of the department’s narcotics were missing.
Fire Department Lieutenant David Hodges told reporters that “there was no breach” into the department’s controlled substances. Each employee has a unique access code to open the vaults.
Lieutenant Hodges said that February 24 was the last date of reported missing narcotics and it was found a few days later to be a misplacement.
Fire Chief Jackson said his department is welcoming the investigation.
Mayor Goodwin vowed that her administration will open its doors to anyone struggling with addiction.
“I promise you; you will not be punished in this administration if you come asking for help. What you will get from us is love and compassion and the tools you will need to start recovery. You will not be shown the door,” she said.
WSAZ: Criminal investigation launched following firefighter’s death
WV Metro News: Charleston firefighter death ruled accidental overdose, city says
WVNS: Charleston firefighter died of accidental overdose
