Fire Chief Resigns After Third DWI Arrest:

David A. Rowland (mug shot DCSO)

Following his third drunk driving arrest the fire chief of the Southern Dallas County Fire Protection District has resigned.

David A. Rowland, 34, pleaded guilty to misdemeanor DWI charges in Dallas County in 2002 and 2004.  He is now charged with a felony as a prior offender in circuit court.

On March 10th an officer was dispatched to reports of an auto accident at O’Reilly Automotive at 1020 S. Ash St.

The officer wrote in court documents that Rowland, the driver of one of the vehicles, had watery, glassy eyes and was leaning against his vehicle. Rowland told the officer that he backed into a pickup truck because he wasn't paying attention.

According to the report, the officer noticed a moderate odor of intoxicants on Rowland's breath when he spoke.  He told the officer he had a hot toddy at 9 a.m., but when he was given a breathalyzer test almost two hours later he blew .158 into the machine.

The Buffalo Reflex is reporting that a week before Rowland's latest arrest he wrote a letter to the editor denying that he had driven a fire truck while intoxicated. He said the board of directors of the Southern Dallas County Fire District had been asked to meet in closed session with county commissioners because the commissioners wanted to address concerns about the allegations against Rowland who was the supervisor of about 20 volunteer members.

David Dixon has been appointed acting chief until the board can find a permanent replacement for Rowland's position.