By Logan Neill
The St. Petersburg Times
SPRING HILL, Fla. — Three Spring Hill Fire Rescue firefighter/paramedics have been disciplined for attending a private party while they were on duty.
Capt. Raymond Elliot and Chris Rodeo and Zac Lyons each received eight-hour suspensions for misuse of a district vehicle, according to a report issued by District Chief Michael Rampino on Friday. The disciplinary action falls within the guidelines set by the district’s policies and procedures.
The allegations against the firefighters were made at a Sept. 8 fire board meeting by Ridge Manor resident Rob Rogoski, who presented commissioners with about a dozen photos showing people drinking at what appeared to be a house party.
According to the report, Rogoski also alleged that firefighters had engaged in unlawful sexual acts and had parties of the same nature on district property.
The investigation, which was conducted by Assistant Chief Bill Davies, showed no evidence that the firefighters were drinking while on duty or engaging in any inappropriate behavior.
Rogoski, who operates a news and information website called Hernandoliving.com, posted the photos he said were obtained from a Facebook page belonging to another firefighter. According to the website, the photos were taken sometime between March and May.
However, Rogoski denied Friday that he ever accused the firefighters of engaging in sexual acts on district property. Rather, he said his concern was that behavior by department employees was putting the district at risk.
“That’s a liability,” Rogoski said.
One of the photos Rogoski presented before the commission showed two women near a district rescue vehicle that was parked outside a home during one of the parties.
In the report, Rampino said that two of the firefighters came forward on Sept. 10 and admitted that they attended the party while on duty. The third firefighter admitted the following day that he had attended the party.
All three firefighters have filed formal grievances through their union, Local 2794, protesting the disciplinary action.
Copyright 2010 Times Publishing Company
All Rights Reserved