Troopers say two drug rings are connected by a person whose job is to save lives, not take them.
"Obviously Paul Smith was at the epicenter of this conspiracy. He's a paid firefighter in the City of Middletown," said Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler.
Investigators say Smith used the Middletown fire house to make drug sales and hold meetings. Twenty-nine people have been charged now, in two separate drug rings. One a cocaine selling operation, the other a trafficking ring that sold fentanyl to buyers, under the guise that it was oxycodone.
"These drugs kill people. And the unsuspecting purchasers could do just one pill and die. It's that dangerous. If the formula that's used to make that pill is just the slightest bit off, they're not going to recover from it," said State Police Troop F BCi Captain Brian Shortall.
Middletown City Mayor Joseph DeStefano says he's known Smith since he was little, and he's shocked at the charges.
"I think the response would be for any first responder. Especially fire department personnel, he's an EMT, I believe he goes out and he tries to save lives. And knowing that the person who's having a drug overdose is potentially someone who you are responsible for receiving those drugs, is beyond comprehension," said DeStefano.
The Orange County DA's Office says Mechanicstown firefighter Robert Dunham Jr. was involved in selling Fentanyl and cocaine, and Fire Chief Dominick Guardino was one of the dealers.
"I think it's reprehensible," said DA Hoovler.
Investigator say in their early morning raids they seized:
- More than 1,300 fentanyl pills
- 2.5 pounds of cocaine
- Over two dozen handguns and rifles
- More than $200,000
- Multiple cars and motorcycles
“This massive law enforcement action sends a message to drug traffickers that this is just the beginning of our massive effort to weed you out," said DEA Associate Special Agent Keith Kruskall.
Police say this is still an active investigation because they're still looking for a few people that have been involved in this case.