An Aurora firefighter has resigned amid theft and drug-related charges after colleagues alleged he stole painkillers from a medical supply box, authorities said today.
Aurora police on Monday issued a summons for Christopher Garipay, 30, of Parker, a six-year veteran with the fire department, who resigned last week. He faces charges of theft, embezzlement of public property and felony possession and use of a controlled substance.
“We feel bad for Chris and his family; it was always his dream to be a firefighter and that dream is kind of dashed right now,” Aurora fire Capt. Mike Ackman said.
Garipay could not be reached for comment. He is due in Arapahoe County District Court on July 12.
In early April, firefighters discovered tampering with painkillers in an emergency medical kit located on one of the firetrucks. While all firefighters, Garipay included, had access to the supply box, only paramedics are authorized to administer medication, Ackman said.
Aurora police investigators were immediately alerted and within days Garipay was a suspect, Ackman said. Garipay was placed on leave pending further investigation prior to handing in his resignation, Ackman said.
New security measures have since been put in place. No longer will the medical box be accessible to all firefighters, and a new safety device will indicate when medication is used, Ackman said.
Garipay had not suffered any duty-related injuries that would require him to take painkillers, said Ackman, who declined to discuss further specifics of the allegations.
“We’re in between feeling tremendously sorry for him and wanting to help him and feeling let down like you would if this were to happen to a family member,” Ackman said.
Staff writer Manny Gonzales can be reached at 303-954-1537 or mgonzales@denverpost.com
