TAMPA - Hillsborough County Fire Marshal Donald M. Goff was arrested early Saturday for allegedly driving under the influence.
According to a sheriff's arrest report, Goff, 60, of Riverview, was arrested at 1:10 a.m. at Gibsonton Drive and U.S. 301. He spent nine hours in jail before posting $250 bail. Records indicate that Goff refused to take a Breathalizer test, which measures the amount of alcohol in the bloodstream and the degree of intoxication. Other evidence, including a driver's behavior, also can be used to decide whether a person should be charged with DUI.
Goff could not be reached for comment.
David Tucker, spokesman for Hillsborough County Fire Rescue, said he spoke to Goff and confirmed the arrest, but did not know the circumstances under which it occurred.
He said Division Chief Chip Branam will have to review the case before deciding what action, if any, the department will take. Goff reports to Branam, who could not be reached for comment.
Tucker said Goff was promoted to fire marshal a little more than a year ago. He also is president of the Florida Fire Marshals and Inspectors Association, a statewide organization that advocates improved fire codes and uniform fire prevention efforts. As head of the association, Goff testified before a state Senate committee about the importance of sprinkler systems in condominiums.
"He's been a great asset to Hillsborough County Fire Rescue, particularly in the fire prevention division," Tucker said of Goff. "Unfortunately, sometimes we don't always use our best judgment."
