St. Lucie County, FL, Fire Chief Terminated Months after Bug Zapper Incident
Months after a hazing incident led to the termination of three firefighters, the St. Lucie County fire chief is now out as well.
On a 4-3 vote, the fire district board terminated Fire Chief Jeff Lee.
The firefighters, who lost their jobs after turning a bug zapper into a taser and using it on rookies have maintained their stance that they were targeted for complaints about the fire board, WPBF reported.
"I believe that the fire board moved forward and that was their job. Now my job is going to be to step in and start the healing process," Interim Chief Paul Langel said.
Asked if the terminated trio may be rehired, he said: "I believe that there’s always scenarios that would unfold and happen. I’ve got to get in and get up to speed on all the specifics."
Jordon Hutchinson, one of those no longer responding, said he doesn't believe Lee's firing had anything to do with the hazing incident. After the discipline was doled out, there was a no confidence vote from the local union.
"I think it was the best thing for the entire department," Hutchinson said.
Lee is eligible for compensation since he was fired without cause.
About the Author
Susan NicolSusan Nicol
News Editor
Susan Nicol is the news editor for Firehouse.com. She is a life member and active with the Brunswick Volunteer Ambulance & Rescue Company, Oxford Fire Company and Brunswick Vol. Fire Co. Susie has been an EMT in Maryland since 1976. Susie is vice-president of the Frederick County Fire/Rescue Museum. She is on the executive committee of Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association. She also is part of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) Region II EMS Council. Susie is a board member of the American Trauma Society, Maryland Division. Prior to joining the Firehouse team, she was a staff writer for The Frederick News-Post, covering fire, law enforcement, court and legislative issues.