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Hull firefighter allegedly passes fraudulent oxycodone prescriptions

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MIDDLETON, Mass. (MyFoxBoston.com) -- Police say that a Hull firefighter was arrested on Thursday for allegedly passing fraudulent prescriptions for oxycodone and other drugs.

William Hatfield, a resident of Plymouth, allegedly passed the fraudulent prescriptions between May and September of this year and did so in various South Shore towns.

On one occasion, officials say Hatfield allegedly attempted to pass a fraudulent prescription while dressed in his uniform and operating a Hull fire truck.

In a statement, a Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts union spokeswoman said the union will keep Hatfield's family in their prayers.

"Prescription drug addictions are an epidemic in our society, and firefighters are particularly susceptible given their high injury rates, which is why we have an aggressive Employee Assistance Program," said union spokeswoman Melissa Hurley. "William Hatfield received addiction treatment and legal advice from the Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts, both of which he chose to ignore. We will keep the Hatfield family in our prayers through this difficult ordeal.

The case is under investigation by the Plymouth County Detectives Unit of the State Police.

Hatfield was scheduled to be arraigned on Friday.

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