Mahtomedi mayor: Tighter screening of firefighters needed
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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 says 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 say that's where Garcia used a wire cutter to remove the trigger lock from his rifle.
KSTP-TV says 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.
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