Probation For Paramedic Who Abused Drugs

VIRGINIA, Minn. (AP) -- A paramedic accused of injecting himself with a pain killer while transporting a patient by ambulance has been sentenced to three years probation.

An emotional John Ditzler told a St. Louis County judge Monday that he takes full responsibility for the trust he has broken. Ditzler said he has completed an outpatient drug treatment program.

The 41-year-old Virginia man earlier pleaded guilty to fifth-degree possession of a controlled substance in an agreement with prosecutors. The paramedic was fired by the City of Virginia shortly after he was arraigned last September.

The Mesabi Daily News says Ditzler was also ordered to enroll in the Range Drug Court program.

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