Investigator to Determine Whether Orlando Firefighters Cheated

Aug. 16, 2007
An anonymous tipster claimed up to four firefighters studied actual test scenario before they took the chief exams back in 2002.

ORLANDO, Fla. --

Orlando Fire Chief Jim Reynolds has asked an independent investigator to determine whether some of his top officials cheated to get ahead.

On June 29, 2007, the city attorney received a CD and an anonymous letter that claimed up to four firefighters studied actual test scenario before they took the chief exams back in 2002.

The tipster claimed the CD was a recording of the conversation firefighters Rudolph Johnson and Brian Will had while listening, by radio, to an actual tactical test to become an Orlando district fire chief.

During the test, candidates had to make split-second decisions, like what to do if a bakery had caught fire.

The two men allegedly heard on the audio recording did eventually pass the test. Johnson is a deputy chief, and Will is a district chief.

Now, Orlando Fire Union President Steve Clelland says firefighters throughout the department are outraged that four of their seniors may have cheated. Come test time, were all competing for the same promotion, so these are these guys futures, said Clelland.

On August 15, 2007, Chief Reynolds said he expected the independent investigation to be finished by the end of the week, or the following week.

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