The former Grand Junction Fire Chief, who is charged with his second offense for OWI, recently had his suppression request denied.

According to court documents, District Court Judge Joseph McCarville denied 39-year-old Thomas Launderville’s request to suppress a breath test that resulted in a .21% blood-alcohol level after he was arrested for driving an ambulance drunk. Court documents show Launderville claimed his right to make a phone call following his arrest was denied and he was given a restricted timeline to make a phone call. 

McCarville ruled that no request for a phone call was made by Launderville and the arresting officer informed him that he had the right to call a family member or an attorney and that there was no violation of Launderville’s rights. 

The charge stemmed from an incident on November 9th. A Jefferson Police Officer arrested Launderville at the Greene County Medical Center following what appeared to be slurred speech with Launderville and dispatch as he was responding to a medical call in Grand Junction. Raccoon Valley Radio will bring you more information as it becomes official.