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."