Naples firefighter arrested for DUI

Reporter: Nicole Papageorge
Published: Updated:

NAPLES, Fla.- A local firefighter was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and causing a head-on collision, authorities said.

Jennifer Pratt is currently on leave from the City of Naples Fire Department WINK News uncovered this isn’t the first time she’s had a run-in with
the law.

In 2011, Pratt was arrested for leaving the scene of a crash with property damage, but she was later exonerated and kept her job with the Naples Fire Department.

“It’s kind of a bad accident so people are crying,” said a 911 caller who witnessed the crash at U.S. 41 and Creekside Boulevard on Tuesday night.

Deputies say Pratt caused the crash and arrested her for drunk driving. She is also facing charges of damage to property and refusing to take a breathalyzer for a second time.

In the arrest report, a deputy says Pratt admitted she was at the nearby bar North Naples Country Club. The deputy also states “she [Pratt] was incoherent at times, and slurred her speech so bad, that I could not make out any words she was saying. ”

It is unknown if Pratt will keep her job as a firefighter.

“They are just placed on leave,” said City of Naples Human Resources Director, Denise Perez. “They can use their accrued leave time or unpaid leave until a determination is made.”

Pratt’s personnel file states she drives fire department vehicles and often has a negative attitude.

“It’s also going to depend on what her work history is. If she’s had other disciplinary actions, what and how long ago were they, what type of discipline was it for,” said Perez. “There are a lot of factors that would have to be looked at before we make a determination on that.”

Pratt was released from jail on bond.

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