SA firefighter suspended after video of unauthorized firetruck ride lands on social media

Firefighter Jason Persyn suspended 10 days

SAN ANTONIO – A San Antonio firefighter was handed a 10-day suspension this summer after video of him giving an unauthorized ride in a department fire engine ended up on social media, according to discipline records obtained by the KSAT 12 Defenders.

Firefighter Jason Persyn was handed the suspension in July after violating San Antonio Fire Department rules related to conduct and behavior, negative public image, improper or negligent handling, safe operation of vehicles, permission for use of city property and proper use of department vehicles, according to the paperwork.

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The incident happened in late February after Persyn gave a walking tour of Fire Station 8, located on the city's west side.

The identity of the person or persons given the ride and their connection to Persyn was redacted by city officials prior to the release of information.

Persyn later admitted that he and at least one of the people given the unauthorized ride did not wear seat belts, according to the suspension paperwork. 

City records show Persyn forfeited accrued vacation time instead of serving the 10-day suspension.


About the Author:

Emmy-award winning reporter Dillon Collier joined KSAT Investigates in September 2016. Dillon's investigative stories air weeknights on the Nightbeat and on the Six O'Clock News. Dillon is a two-time Houston Press Club Journalist of the Year and a Texas Associated Press Broadcasters Reporter of the Year.