The former fire chief in Leavenworth who was seriously hurt in a motorcycle accident last September has now been charged with driving under the influence.

Mark Demaranville appeared in traffic court in Leavenworth County Wednesday. He indicated he would apply for diversion.

Authorities appointed Atchison County Attorney Jerry Kuckelman as special prosecutor in the case, to avoid the appearance of a conflict of interest.

 

Demaranville was seriously hurt in the crash. He was demoted to the position of Fire Health Inspector/Safety Officer when he returned to work, November 1.