Hull Firefighter Facing Drug Charges Released On Bail

HULL (CBS) – A Hull firefighter was arrested for allegedly passing fraudulent prescriptions, with at least one of the incidents occurring while he was on duty.

William Hatfield of Plymouth, a Hull firefighter, was arrested Thursday afternoon on charges that he passed fraudulent prescriptions for oxycodone and other drugs earlier this year.

Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy Cruz said on Friday that Hatfield allegedly participated in the drug transactions in towns around the South Shore.

During at least one of the incidents, prosecutors said Hatfield was in uniform and operating a Hull fire truck.

Hatfield was arraigned on Friday in Plymouth District Court and subsequently released on personal recognizance bail.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Carl Stevens reported that Hatfield said he was injured on the job and became addicted to painkillers. Hatfield said that he reached out to his union for help, but did not receive any.

A Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts official disputed the claim, saying Hatfield spent two weeks in McLean Hospital. The spokesman said when the union recommended more time in the rehabilitation facility he refused.

"Prescription drug addictions are an epidemic in our society, and firefighters are particularly susceptible given their high injury rates, which is why we have an aggressive Employee Assistance Program," said spokesman Melissa Hurley.

"William Hatfield received addiction treatment and legal advice from the Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts, both of which he chose to ignore. We will keep the Hatfield family in our prayers through this difficult ordeal."

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