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Daily Talker: Coffee Stop Controversy

Two Florida hearse drivers are out of a job after they stopped for coffee while carrying an Army veteran to a funeral.

But this morning, one of them is defending his actions.

The controversy began when a man spotted the hearse---with the flagged draped coffin in plain sight---parked outside a Dunkin Donuts near Tampa, Florida.  That man, Rob Carpenter, recorded video and took pictures then posted them to Facebook because he says the driver did not seem remorseful.  The post immediately went viral.

The head of the Veterans Funeral Care says sometimes the drivers stop for bathroom breaks, but someone is supposed to stay with the vehicle at all times.  During a military transport, however, the hearse is not supposed to make any stops.

Both men were fired.

Those men are brothers in their 70s with stellar records.  Families often call to praise their services, according to the funeral home director.  They are also sons of a veteran.

The men say they knew they had a long day ahead of them and say that particular instance was the only time they felt they could eat.

One of them took to Facebook to apologize.

"Our lives are now ruined because of a donut. God forgive me. We now have no means of income because of a donut and being human."

What do you think?

Do agree with the decision to fire the two men for stopping at a coffee shop on the way to a funeral?

Leave your comments below, or on Facebook or Twitter using #WBZTalker.

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