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Written by: A. Smith
Published October 30, 2025 @ 9:17 AM ET
CHATHAM COUNTY, Ga. – A Chatham County Emergency Medical Technician was arrested after allegedly driving under the influence while on duty at the scene of a death earlier this month, according to Georgia State Patrol records.
The EMT, identified as Carson McCluskey, was working the scene of an unrelated death in Garden City on Oct. 12 when a firefighter reported to police that McCluskey smelled of alcohol, the report said.
Two Garden City police officers began investigating and also noted that McCluskey appeared to smell of an alcoholic beverage. When officers questioned another EMT, the individual allegedly said it “wouldn’t be the first time” someone had asked about McCluskey smelling of alcohol, according to the report.
One of the officers then asked McCluskey to take a breath test to determine whether he was safe to drive, but he refused. Georgia State Patrol was called to assist.
McCluskey and his supervisor both confirmed that he had been driving the ambulance, according to the report. Chatham Emergency Services, a community-based nonprofit that provides ambulance and fire services throughout the county, confirmed McCluskey was one of its employees.
A responding GSP trooper said McCluskey had bloodshot and watery eyes and asked him to perform standardized field sobriety tests, which he also refused. McCluskey was then arrested and charged with DUI, the report said.
He was booked into the Chatham County Jail and later released. GSP issued McCluskey a 1205 form, which serves as a 45-day temporary driving permit when a driver refuses chemical testing or records a blood-alcohol level high enough to require license suspension under Georgia law. He was also issued a 180-day sticker, an extension of the temporary permit, according to the Georgia Department of Driver Services.
Chatham Emergency Services CEO Chuck Kearns said the agency immediately suspended McCluskey and terminated his employment the following day.
“On October 12, 2025, we became aware of a concern with an on-duty employee. Our supervisor immediately responded,” the statement said. “The employee refused the substance testing procedure as is required in accordance with CES’ drug free workplace and zero tolerance policy. Upon refusing testing, the employee was immediately suspended and terminated the next day.”