The Grand Junction Rescue Department has been reinstated and responding to calls for service following an investigation.

Grand Junction Fire Chief Terry Hoefle tells Raccoon Valley Radio the Greene County Medical Director conducted an investigation following an incident on November 1st when the former Grand Junction Fire Chief Thomas Launderville was arrested for allegedly driving an ambulance while intoxicated. Hoefle says the Medical Director reviewed the incident and recommended to change one of the protocols. It was recommended to increase the number of hours that someone can respond after consuming alcohol from 8 hours to 12 hours. 

Hoefle says while the investigation was ongoing, the ambulance service was temporarily out of service. But within one week, the investigation had concluded and the ambulance has been reinstated since then. 

Launderville was arrested and charged with his second OWI after responding to a medical call in Grand Junction at 11:31pm Friday, November 1st. During the call, Launderville was driving the ambulance and a Jefferson Police Officer noticed slurred speech when Launderville was talking to dispatch. Launderville was later arrested at the Greene County Medical Center in Jefferson fter the patient arrived at the emergency room.

Court documents show Launderville’s arraignment hearing is scheduled for December 13th at the Greene County Courthouse. Raccoon Valley Radio will bring you more information as it becomes official.