POLK COUNTY, Fla. — A Polk County Fire Rescue battalion chief was fired, accused of insubordination and untruthfulness regarding pay for his crew's recent disaster relief deployment.
ABC Action News obtained the investigative report by Polk County Fire Rescue.
It revealed Battalion Chief Charles True reportedly did not follow orders and failed to ensure crews followed orders while deployed to Levy County with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office in August 2023 following Hurricane Idalia.
The report said True was ordered to split crew members into 12-hour shifts. However, crews told investigators there was so much work to be done, so crews worked 24-hour shifts instead.
Each member was reportedly on duty for the entire time they were deployed on Aug. 30 until returning on Sept. 8, according to the report. This cost Polk County about $60,000.
Battalion Chief True was terminated on Jan. 5 for failure to supervise, compliance with orders and insubordination, and untruthfulness.
According to the battalion chief, he was told to document the hours worked, and the crews would be paid for what they worked.
Battalion Chief True served the department since 2006. ABC Action News also obtained True's personnel file, in it, he is called a "respected team leader."
The Polk County Professional Firefighters – IAFF Local 3531 is appealing True’s termination.
“Polk County Professional Firefighters is actively appealing the unjust termination of Battalion Chief True. By all measures, he was an outstanding employee and leader of Polk County Fire Rescue. We will continue to aggressively defend our members rights and appreciate the support from the community which we serve,” said union President Lee Stringer.
Battalion Chief True told ABC Action News he appreciates the support he has received but can not comment further at the advice of his attorney.
Polk County Commissioners are now demanding a full review of Polk County Fire Rescue from top to bottom.
“I think we have a problem; I think we have a management problem in our fire department,” said Polk County Commissioner Bill Braswell.
Braswell said it is concerning that he learned about the firing of True on social media.
“I have no idea whether it was unjust or whether it was justified. What I do know is that I want to have it confirmed by an independent auditor either way,” Braswell said.
He said the fire department has been plagued with issues and complaints for years. “Several issues with employees there. You can blame the rank-and-file employee for so long, then you have to start looking at management,” said Braswell.
Other commissioners are in support of finding an unbiased third party to review Polk County Fire Rescue.
“It’s up to the people at the top to make sure that those policies are in place, that they’re equally enforced, that they’re published for all to see, and that’s what we need to have a look at," said Polk County Commissioner Neil Combee.
Braswell has begun the process of finding a firm to conduct the audit.
“This is about public safety; this is about human life. I want it to be done right. I want our fire department to do a great job when they show up on scene, and this is one way to make sure we all feel comfortable that they are doing that,” he said.
