Mahtomedi mayor: Tighter screening of firefighters needed

The mayor of Mahtomedi thinks mental health evaluations might be in order for potential firefighters and paramedics in light of a recent local homicide.

Firefighter Bailey Garcia is accused of fatally shooting David Frigaard last weekend as the victim sat in his truck at a stop sign. Garcia's attorney says his client has some "serious psychological issues."

Mahtomedi, unlike bigger cities such as Minneapolis and St. Paul, does not require a mental health exam before a firefighter is hired. Garcia was a probationary employee, but still had after-hour access to the fire department. Investigators say that's where Garcia used a wire cutter to remove the trigger lock from his rifle.

KSTP-TV says Mayor Judson Marshall will ask the fire chief, the City Council and Washington County Sheriff's Office to discuss psychological tests for firefighters and paramedics.