LEESBURG, Fla. --
Officials in Leesburg are investigating allegations that two firefighters were running a business on city time. Officials said Chief Brien Bowers resigned on Friday, after 18 years with the department and Lieutenant Ronald Linkous was terminated.
"I'm surprised and disappointed that we are losing two firemen, but I think the city policy is fairly clearly written, said David Knowles, a Leesburg City Commissioner.
The Leesburg City Manager opened an investigation after Chief Dennis Sergeant said he saw Bowers review Lady Lake fire inspection plans, while on duty. Officials said they later learned that Bowers had been operating a business called Bowers Inspection for the past 6 years. They said Lieutenant Linkous was working for him.
"It may have been a conflict of interest for the Chief to have a Lieutenant working for him because that might influence the chief's job performances and evaluations," said Knowles.
They City Manager said Bowers and Linkous used city computers, materials and a city car to review and deliver inspection plans to the City of Lady Lake.
Leesburg officials said employees shouldn't be abusing company time and they said Bowers and Linkous violated city policy by not disclosing they had a second job.
Bowers and Linkous did not return Eyewitness News phone calls for comment. The City Manager said Linkous, who had only been with the department two years, still has the option of appealing his termination.
