Atlanta News: Firefighter Suspended For Attempting To Save Elderly Woman

A captain with the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department has been suspended for an unexpected reason: Captain Daniel Dwyer was officially suspended without pay for 48 hours for entering a burning building alone to save a 95-year-old woman.

According to the department, Dwyer broke department protocol by entering the building without other crew members. The suspension came after a seven-month investigation following a “final adverse action” complaint filed against him for the June incident.

“While performing your duties, you entered the structure without your crew members which is in immediate conflict with no freelancing, accountability, and maintaining crew integrity,” Fire Chief Randall Slaughter said in the complaint.

Dwyer appealed his suspension but was unsuccessful. His suspension will officially begin Friday, but due to the way the department’s shifts work, it will be effective from Feb. 13-16.

Dwyer arrived on the scene of the June 27 blaze and conducted an initial search of the building, finding and rescuing Sallie Skrine, 95, before other crew members could prepare their gear. Despite Dwyer’s efforts, Skrine later died.

“Time is of the essence. Captain Dwyer did exactly what firefighters are sworn oath to do. We are absolutely against the decision to suspend him,” said Paul Gerdis, president of the Atlanta Firefighters Union. “Not only does he have to live with the guilt of not being able to save the homeowner, but now he and his family have to deal with the financial repercussions of not getting paid for 48 hours just for trying to save someone's life.”