Earlier this year, PCFR Battalion Chief Charlie True was alleged to have abused his position to have his crew paid for unapproved hours during an emergency response deployment for a hurricane. He was terminated for this action. An investigation into the management of Polk County Fire Rescue was ordered from the Board of County Commissioners. The Union was able to get him reinstated to a lower position (Captain), and Charlie was put on 2 years probation. The review of management led to the resignation of Fire Chief Hezedean Smith. The review is available here: https://www.counties.citizensdefendingfreedom.com/fl-polk/resources/report-of-review-of-management-of-fire-rescue-2024/
The Florida State Commission on Ethics just reported in their September release that they was no probable cause of abuse from True. Will his probation be removed, and his prior status restored?
“Former Polk County Fire Services Battalion Chief CHARLIE TRUE was alleged to have violated the constitutional amendment prohibiting abuse of office to obtain a disproportionate benefit and to have misused his position when he approved hours worked by staff during the emergency response deployment for a hurricane. The Commission found no probable cause on both allegations.”