Pubdate: Wed, 18 Apr 2007
Source: Delta Optimist (CN BC)
Copyright: 2007 Lower Mainland Publishing Group Inc
Contact:  http://www.delta-optimist.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1265
Author: Maureen Gulyas
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)

FIREFIGHTERS ON LEAVE WITHOUT PAY AFTER ARREST

The Vancouver firefighter arrested for operating a marijuana grow-op 
out of his North Delta home last week has served as a coach with the 
Delta Lacrosse Association.

The 44-year-old fire captain has coached several teams of high school 
students over the years, recently leading one to the provincial tournament.

Delta police raided his home in the 9200-block of 112th Street last 
Thursday. The home is across the street from Annieville elementary.

Police seized 380 pot plants worth an estimated $140,000 and another 
$7,000 in growing equipment.

Delta police are recommending several charges, including production 
of a controlled substance and possession for the purposes of trafficking.

The charges are expected to be laid within a week, at which time 
police can release the suspect's name. The police report must go to 
Crown counsel for approval.

The firefighter and lacrosse coach was an all-star in the Western 
Lacrosse Association, playing for over a decade for various teams, 
including the New Westminster Salmonbellies.

The Optimist was unable to confirm whether he is still coaching with 
the Delta Lacrosse Association. President Jim Canil was unavailable 
for comment before the Optimist's press deadline yesterday.

The coaching roster showed he was involved as late as 2006. He is not 
listed on the coaching roster for 2007.

The Vancouver fire department confirmed the married father of three 
children is on administrative leave without pay pending the outcome 
of the investigation.

Public information officer Capt. Rob Jones-Cook said employees of the 
department are expected to "demonstrate good judgment, honesty and 
personal integrity at all times."

The fire department said it is committed to breaking down indoor 
marijuana grow-ops because of the safety and fire hazards surrounding 
such operations. Jones-Cook said the department commits two 
firefighters to the Vancouver police department's Grow Busters Team 
to help dismantle grow-ops.

He called news of the arrest "very disappointing."
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman