Benton fire chief on leave after DUI charge

Benton Fire Chief Shane Cockrum took to social media Monday evening with an apology.

In a Facebook post, Cockrum took full responsibility for actions that led to a driving under the influence charge against him last week in Putnam County, Ind.

According to Indiana court records, Cockrum faces two criminal misdemeanor charges: operating a vehicle while intoxicated and disorderly conduct (unreasonable noise). The citation was filed March 4 in Putnam Superior Court.

Benton Mayor Fred Kondritz did not return calls made on Monday evening and Tuesday morning. However, the Benton City Council held a special meeting the morning of March 1. The agenda from that meeting, posted on the city's website, included "discussion and/or approval of possible discipline of specific, full time fire department employee" and "discussion and/or approval of recommendation to appoint acting fire chief."

Benton Public Information Coordinator Rachel Gartner said this week the city has "no comment" on the issue.

Cockrum responded to an inquiry made via Facebook Messenger.

"I am on admin leave and I am voluntarily getting the help I've been needing," he wrote. "It's been a tough road and not being able to ever let my guard down caught up with my mental and physical health. I'm very thankful to have many people who have great hearts looking out for me."

A call to the Benton Fire Department confirmed that Jeff Coleman is the acting fire chief.

Cockrum's Facebook post read:

Please Read: As many of my close friends and family know, these last few years have been a very trying time in my life. Losses of loved ones and the weight of incidents in my professional life have taken me to a place I never imagined I could go. The very things in my life that have brought sunshine became just another cloudy day each day I awoke. I battled as hard or harder than ever before but with each shovel load of weight off my chest I attempted to unload, it felt as though two more loads came right back on top of me. Although I was aware, I thought I was too masculine of a person with too much responsibility to seek help. I made others aware of the help that is out there and did my best to help them but failed to get the help for myself. The downward spiral of my personal life cumulated with me getting picked up for DUI this past week.

To that I would like to address the community I have let down:

I want to sincerely apologize from the bottom of my heart. I made an enormous mistake that I cannot take back. This mistake could have had tragic consequences that are all too often seen and felt in every community. I have let down my family, my friends, those who have entrusted me as well as the community that I live, work and love. I am extremely disappointed in my choices and take full responsibility for my actions. I promise I will do whatever it takes to ensure that my regrettable mistake is never repeated. I will work tirelessly to restore your confidence in me.

To those who also struggle:

Please hear me when I say that although life can be tough, you are never too young, too old, too big or too small to seek help. Like many, traumatic events both personally or professionally can have a major impact on your well being both physically and mentally. Depression and PTSD are real, please do not make the same mistake I have, seek out the help as I am now. It could be the difference for your family or another.

Again, I am so sorry.

Shane