St. Pete Fire Rescue lieutenant stole dose of COVID-19 vaccine, police say

St. Petersburg Police Department investigated the theft of two Covid-19 vaccine doses last month from the City's vaccine distribution operation at the request of Fire Rescue Chief James Large.

ABC Action News first broke the story on Friday after sources indicated a firefighter was under investigation for the theft.

Investigators determined that Fire Rescue Lt. Duane Zagorsky was eligible to receive one vaccine, and he took the other vaccine home to a family member.

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• Missing vials of COVID-19 vaccine prompts St. Pete PD investigating into fire department official

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The single vaccine dose is valued at $39.00 and considered a misdemeanor petit theft. Lt. Zagorsky qualified for the Pinellas County Adult Pre-Arrest Diversion Program, or APAD. Upon completion of the APAD he will not have a criminal charge on his record.

St. Pete Fire Rescue says Lt. Zagorsky has been a member of the department for 15 years. An internal investigation is still underway to determine what city employee policies he violated and what his discipline will be.