The director of Cal Fire has been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol.
“I am letting you know of my arrest, because I believe you should hear it from me first. I intend to examine why this happened, and I assure you it will never happen again. I have let you down, and for that I am profoundly sorry,” Walters said in a statement.
Cal Fire said Walters has agreed to a probationary period of 120 days, and will seek advice and counseling from the state’s Employee Support Services.
Walters will continue full-time in his position, but will be required to provide updates on his progress.
Schwarzenegger appointed Walters to head Cal Fire in July 2008. He began his career as a firefighter in 1971.