Flagler County Fire Chief Don Petito announced his retirement Wednesday, just three weeks after he was put on administrative leave pending the results of an investigation into a complaint alleging discrimination and retaliation.
The investigation stemmed from a previous discrimination complaint against Petito. The complainant was unsatisfied with the result, according to Jerry Cameron, county administrator, and filed a second complaint claiming he was retaliated against.
While the outcome of the investigation, which was recently completed, did not result in disciplinary action or termination, Cameron said he believes it was the "last straw" for Petito.
"He's obviously had retirement on his mind since last fall, maybe late summer, and had a number of discussions with me in regards to that," Cameron said. "He's had several issues that frustrated him and this was just another frustration."
During Monday's county commission meeting, Cameron addressed issues regarding the county's fire department, including insufficient staffing and buildings that were not up to code. Those matters are not slated to be addressed in the upcoming budget for FY2021.
Petito did not return calls for comment Wednesday. The details of the investigation were not shared with The News-Journal Wednesday.
"The complaint was an EEOC complaint. It was not specific to Don Petito," said Julie Murphy, communications manager for Flagler County. "There is no written report as it became a moot issue. It was handled by an independent attorney. There was nothing in the investigation that would have led to Chief Petito's removal."
The specific details of the allegations are protected since the complainant alleged discrimination, according to Cameron.
While there was no action taken against Petito, Attorney Mark Levitt, with Orlando-based law firm Allen Norton & Blue who handled the investigation, did make recommendations on how the county could provide better access for employees who wish to make sexual harassment and racial discrimination reports.
"They recommended we make sure that the path for anyone that has those kind of complaints is clear, they can go directly to HR, through the fire department, administration, they could come to our administration," Cameron said. "Anytime those types of allegations come to the attention of any department, we are going to make sure that that department notifies HR immediately. We will be putting out a revised policy with additional guidance soon."
Joe King, who took over as interim fire chief on June 24, will continue in his new role until the county decides the future leadership of the department, according to Cameron.
Cameron said Petito has offered to help the county position the fire department with resources during the transition.
"Don Petito made a tremendous impact on fire rescue services in Flagler County during his 15-year tenure," Cameron said. "We look forward to tapping into his considerable expertise in the future."
During his 15 years with the department, Petito was instrumental in improving countywide Emergency Medical Services, including: upgrading protocols; adding a medical director; creating a Community Paramedicine program; becoming a state-certified EMS training site; developing a community CPR training calendar; and becoming a regional training center for the American Heart Association, which enables Flagler County to provide courses in CPR, advanced cardiac life support, and pediatric advanced life support, according to a county press release.
He also participated in training a world champion EMS competition team that took titles in the Czech Republic three times, as well as being three-time Florida State Champion, with championship titles in Georgia, Iowa, and New York, according to the release.
Petito applied for and was awarded many grants including: $650,000 to upgrade and replace all EKG machines on all apparatus; American Heart Association grant for 53 automated external defibrillators (AED); and, a $253,000 Public Safety Interoperability Grant to upgrade radios, according to the release.
Special teams were also developed under Petito, including the Marine Rescue Program for flood, marine, and ocean rescue; and the Urban Search and Rescue to address high angle rescue, confined space, structural collapse, vehicle and machinery extrication, and trench rescue, according to the release.
Petito implemented a traffic control device program where each emergency vehicle is equipped with a device that can calculate the direction of travel and speed of the vehicle and turn all traffic control devices green to clear intersections for the emergency vehicle. The benefits are better response times and fewer accidents.
Other achievements include:
- Improved the ISO rating from a 9 to a 3
- Participated in the transition from a VHF radio system to an 800 MHz system
- Developed a wildfire response team
- Upgraded wildfire apparatus and gear
- Opened Station 16Added a rescue vehicle to stations 41, 51, 71
- Consolidated with the Bunnell Fire Department
- Participated in the design and opening of the EOC
- Developed a high school fire academy
"We are certain Don Petito will continue to make a positive contribution to the community in his future endeavors," Cameron said. "We wish him well."
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