County Fire-Rescue completes internal investigation

Historic City News received the following statement from St. Johns County Fire Rescue Chief, Carl Shank, after completion of the department’s internal review and investigation into the events surrounding the initial response to the Belleza condominium complex on July 13, 2015.

The internal review was initiated after reviewing the 9-1-1 call tapes and multiple reports concerning the activities which occurred during a report of a “smoke odor”.

During the course of the investigation, the Company Officer responsible for the initial responding apparatus made contact with the SJCFR Administration and chose to resign from his position with SJCFR citing personal reasons.

At the conclusion of the investigation, the Department made the determination to terminate employment with the Communications Officer involved in the incident. This Officer was notified of the termination according to St. Johns County Personnel procedure and the termination was effective August 2, 2015.

SJCFR remains a professional fire rescue response agency dedicated to the protection of our public with the highest level of service and care; we will continue this pursuit of excellence demonstrating positive character, attitude, competency, and conduct. We place great value in the high standards of trust placed on us by the public and our profession. We will continue to build upon this trust through continued training and professional development for all of our personnel.