Police: Firefighter Raided Medicine Cabinets Of Elderly Under Guise Of Smoke-Detector Inspections

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — A firefighter is accused of raiding the medicine cabinets of the elderly, searching for powerful prescription drugs under the guise of smoke detector inspections.

Citrus Heights Police say Craig White, a paramedic and firefighter with the city of Sacramento since 2011, conned his way into a number of elderly neighbors' homes at a Citrus Heights mobile home park.

Officers say White claimed to be there to inspect smoke detectors, then ask to use the restroom where he would steal high-power pain medication.

The Sacramento Fire Department says it has placed White on paid administrative leave.

"At first obviously we thought it was an impersonator, and obviously we have learned that was not the case," said Robert Padilla. "Our main focus is informing the public to ensure that they know we understand that it's important for us to gain their trust back."

Therapist John Daily says, without making excuses for the firefighter, that first responders often deal with traumatic situations.

"One of the things we know that sets people up for opiate addictions are trauma histories," he said. "So you have a person here that is dealing with trauma every single day."

He says the arrest might shine light on a rampant problem. Often times, first responders have a culture where they suffer in silence.

While White may not get his job back, Daily says the firefighter can help the community by speaking out about an addiction, if that is the situation.