PORT HADLOCK — A Jefferson County sheriff’s deputy has been fired after an internal investigation found that he showed up to work drunk Oct. 30.
Sheriff Mike Brasfield on Monday announced that he had terminated Deputy Brian M. Post for reporting while under the influence of alcohol.
A written statement from Brasfield issued Monday confirmed that Post had operated a patrol car while under the influence and had also responded to a police call while drunk.
An internal investigation found that Post was in full uniform and had been in an on-duty status for approximately one hour when a supervisor discovered that he was intoxicated.
A blood-alcohol test revealed a count of 0.11 percent — well over the legal limit of 0.08 percent to operate a vehicle.
SDLqSubsequent investigation established that the deputy had utilized his marked patrol unit and notified dispatch that he was in service at 7:54 a.m. that morning,” Brasfield’s statement said.
“Further investigation revealed that the deputy had handled an on-view call for service at a Port Hadlock business.”
Post, 45, was informed of his firing on Friday in an administrative hearing with Brasfield.
Post was a seven-year veteran of the Sheriff’s Office. Before that, he was a Lynn¬wood police officer for 10 years.
Brasfield said that during their meeting, Post acknowledged his level of intoxication reported by the blood-alcohol testing and did not dispute the reading.
But Post denied having consumed any alcoholic beverages since the night before his suspension — some 11 hours earlier.
Brasfield said that while he was a strong proponent of treatment of substance-abuse problems, the on-duty behavior overrode any personal feelings the sheriff has on the issue.
Brasfield said there was an erosion of public confidence and trust due to the deputy’s actions, that the deputy had lost credibility in future court proceedings and with his co-workers, and that Post’s ability to function as a deputy with the Sheriff’s Office has been irreparably compromised.
Both Brasfield and Undersheriff Tony Hernandez have declined further comment on the situation until a criminal hearing is completed.
The Jefferson County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has charged Post with a single count of driving under the influence.
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Reporter Erik Hidle can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at erik.hidle@peninsuladailynews.com.
