Garland Fire Dept. spokesman, sons arrested for drug possession

The spokesman for the Garland Fire Department was arrested for drug possession on Thursday.

Police said Merrill Balanciere and his two sons were taken into custody after officers executed a search warrant at their home.

The home is across from a school, which is a drug-free zone and could mean enhanced charges.

Balanciere is a 26-year veteran of the Garland Fire Department and was most recently working as the department's public information officer and an inspector.

The department said it is doing its own investigation into his actions.

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