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Polk County Manager Offers No Public Accountability For The Disaster That Has Become Polk County Fire Rescue Administration

Carl Fish
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Polk County Manager Offers No Public Accountability For The Disaster That Has Become Polk County Fire Rescue Administration

By Carl Fish

Hezedean Smith, who became Polk County Fire Rescue (PCFR) Chief in November 2022, resigned effective September 30, 2024. His resignation followed a critical report commissioned by the Polk County Board of County Commissioners, which highlighted management issues within PCFR. This report, conducted by Allen, Norton & Blue, P.A., reviewed the work environment at PCFR and prompted the county to seek changes to improve the department’s culture.

County Manager Bill Beasley placed Chief Smith on administrative leave before his resignation. Deputy County Manager Joe Halman, who oversees Public Safety, had been involved in addressing issues within PCFR, including controversies surrounding staffing decisions and disciplinary actions under his supervision.

At the BOCC meeting, Tuesday, the board voted unanimously to approve Shawn Smith as interim Polk County Fire Rescue Chief.

At no time in the commission meeting did county manager, Bill Beasley take any accountability for what occurred with his subordinates. He did not address any accountability for Deputy County Manager, Halman. The investigation into the PCFR was sparked by the handling of a hurricane deployment directed by Deputy County Manager Halman.

Battalion Chief Charlie True of PCFR was terminated in January 2024 following an investigation for insubordination, failure to supervise, and untruthfulness. These charges stemmed from a 2023 deployment to Levy County for hurricane recovery, during which True reportedly failed to follow orders from higher command and mismanaged aspects of the mission. Specifically Deputy County Manager (DCM) Halman made the directive for PCFR personnel to work in 12 hour shifts. Assistant Chief (AC) Ben Cassista specifically brought up how deployments in the past had worked and DCM Halman specifically directed that “no” it was 12 hour shifts. It is also clear that BC True was given these orders verbally, but nothing ever came from upper management in writing to any of the personnel ( no where in the investigation did it show any written documentation to that order). In the investigative report it clearly shows that BC True, specifically took aside Assistant Chief (AC) Parnell and advised that there were issues with the verbal directive and the shift hours per previous deployments. As BC True relays in his investigative interview they had the PCSO base camp to cover and personnel from PCSO who were out in the field to cover. The PCR crew had no ability to leave those two assignments personally and were basically assigned to cover the camp and deployments.

It should be specifically noted that the PCFR has no Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for these deployments. It should also be noted that no supervisor to BC True ever asked specifics during deployment to the amount of hours each staff was working. BC True is documented as having many text conversations and supplying pictures to Chief Smith regarding deployments outside of the base camp. We couldn’t find any questions, related to shift hours being worked, by Chief Smith or negative comments to the job BC True was doing during the deployment. The crew also were out providing medical standby for when the Governor and Senator visited.

It is clear from the documentation provided in the Polk County Fire Rescue Investigative report that it was not BC True who was derelict in his duties, but his commanding officers and the County administration.

After his termination, True appealed the decision and participated in a pre-disciplinary conference. As a result, Chief Smith proposed reinstating him, though with a demotion to Fire Captain and two years probationary period. If True successfully completes the probation, he may reapply for a battalion chief position in the future. This discipline was found to be very excessive and unfair according to the report by Allen, Norton & Blue, P.A. While True was disciplined for not following the 12 hr shift mandate, he and his other personnel were fully paid 24 hour shifts. A federal portal to portal law applies according to Union representatives.

County Manager Beasley made no mention of his role or DCM Halman’s role in managing Chief Smith. It is well documented that many allegations were voiced about Chief Smith. What did Beasley or Halman do to keep Chief Smith accountable?

We have had a multitude of former and current Polk County Fire Rescue personnel that have no confidence that things will change if DCM Halman specifically is over the department. Current personnel spoke on the condition of anonymity due to the fear for reprisals.

Ultimately the entire fiasco with Polk County Fire Rescue rest on County Manager Bill

Lakeland Man Indicted For Alleged Pandemic Fraud Scheme

Carl Fish
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Lakeland Man Indicted For Alleged Pandemic Fraud Scheme

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Jeanty Cherilus (54, Lakeland) with five counts of wire fraud. Cherilus faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on each count. The indictment also notifies Cherilus that the United States is seeking an order of forfeiture in the amount of $370,000, the proceeds of the charged criminal conduct.

According to the indictment, Cherilus was an owner of Natransusa Corporation (NATRANS), a business that advertised to provide automobile salvage and transportation services. Cherilus, through NATRANS, submitted applications to obtain federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans and an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) to which Cherilus and NATRANS were not entitled. The loan applications had materially false and fraudulent representations, including an inflated number of employees and average payroll, and certifications that the loan proceeds would be used for business-related purposes. Cherilus also included fraudulent supporting documentation to induce the Small Business Administration and an approved lender to fund the loans. After receiving the PPP and EIDL funds, Cherilus used them for purposes other than what was approved by the terms of the loans and for his own person enrichment.

An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Agency for International Development – Office of Inspector General and the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee Task Force. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Greg Pizzo.

On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit Justice.gov/Coronavirus and Justice.gov/Coronavirus/CombatingFraud. Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline via the NCDF Web Complaint Form.

Gang Violence In East Polk County Addressed By Polk Sheriff Grady Judd

Carl Fish
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Gang Violence In East Polk County Addressed By Polk Sheriff Grady Judd

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives from the Gang, Homicide and Robbery units have arrested 19 Polk County gang members responsible for a series of drive-by shootings, other felony offenses, and a fatal stabbing. These gang members were responsible for a series of violent inter-gang attacks between five gangs in Polk County, primarily from Winter Haven, Haines City, and the Waverly area. 

Violent Gang Investigative Task Force (VGITF); created in February 2023

The VGITF was created in February of 2023 as a multi-agency effort between the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, local police agencies, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, ATF Tampa, FBI Tampa, and both the United States Attorney and State Attorney of the 10th judicial circuit, Brian Haas. Its mission is to investigate, disrupt, and dismantle gangs operating in Polk County. It was created to send a message to those in Polk County wishing to commit gang-related crimes that our law enforcement and criminal justice system will not tolerate threats to the safety of the hard-working citizens of Polk County. 

In 2019, there were six recorded incidents of gang-related shootings in the county; the number increased to 59 in 2022. This increase in violence led to Sheriff Judd forming the Violent Gang Investigative Task Force.

In the 18 months before its creation, Polk County had 87 gang-related and suspected gang-related shootings. Since the creation of the VGITF, and thanks to the hard work of our detectives and the cooperation we have received from other local law enforcement agencies, we have seen a reduction in the number of these shooting to 61 in 18 months – a 30% decrease. Since its inception, the VGITF has identified and arrested 144 gang members and gang associates. 57 firearms have been recovered during multiple investigations and arrests, six of which were confirmed stolen.

Operational Statistics: (numbers are approximate)

144 gang members have a total of approximately 1,599 prior arrests, 1,669felony charges, and 1,166 misdemeanor charges. 67 out of 144 are convicted felons (approximately 47%).

The 144 gang members’ past charges to include: 

Homicide/Attempted Homicide – 28 

Weapon Offenses (i.e. Dangerous Shootings, Shoot/Throw Missile) – 37

Possession of Firearm/Weapon – 141

Robbery – 55

Aggravated Assault/Battery – 52

Assault/Battery – 178

Armed Burglary – 29

Motor Vehicle Theft – 66

Narcotics – 583

Resisting Officer with Violence – 13

Timeline 

In July 2023, detectives from our Robbery and Homicide units began investigating the connection between multiple drive by shooting incidents that began in May of 2021.  

This series of shootings were ignited by the murder of Dyreon Outsey (20), a known gang member. Three days later, another gang executed a drive-by shooting at a known rival gang hang out. This was the beginning of a series of retaliatory attacks between these rival gangs, detailed as follows:

  • May 23, 2021 – Dyreon Outsey was shot and killed. Tyquaveon Robinson (22) and Branden Johnson (31), were arrested for the murder of Outsey.
  • May 26, 2021 – Zedarian Outsey (20), Deshawn Williams (21), and Tyrone Berry (23) committed a drive by shooting with an assault rifle in East Winter Haven, at a known rival gang hangout. Kevin Marcel (25) returned fire, as he was outside the residence at the time the shooting began. Berry and Williams received non-life threatening injuries during the incident. Berry, Outsey, and Williams were charged with attempted murder.
  • January 30, 2022 – Beginning at Cypress Lanes Bowling Alley in Winter Haven, members of two rival gangs were involved in a running gun battle in their vehicles that ended on Martin Luther King Blvd and NE 11th Street in West Winter Haven. The shooting resulted in the death of Ira Footman (22), a gunshot wound to the leg of Carlos Martinez (19), and non-life threatening gunshot injuries to Demetrius Brown (29) and Jonathan Scarvers Jr. All those injured were members of one gang, and Martinez’s leg was amputated as a result of his injuries. Jermaine Hawthorne (18), Antonio Lewis (23), and Mechael Jean-Charles (19) all members of the rival gang, were arrested for the murder of Ira Footman.
  • December 4, 2022 – Members of another gang executed a drive-by shooting in Northwest Winter Haven at the home of Jermaine Feacher (20), who is a member of a rival gang. This shooting was perpetrated in retaliation for the murder of Ira Footman in January. No one was injured during this incident. Arlearria “Leary” Buchanan was later charged with attempted murder for this incident.
  • December 30, 2022 – Three vehicles drove by a known gang member hangout in Northern Haines City, and a drive-by shooting occurred. No one was injured in this shooting, although several of the rounds of ammunition fired struck vehicles and entered dwellings in the area surrounding the gang hangout. 
  • January 2, 2023 – Members of one gang attempted to kill Trevin Barnhill (20), a member of a rival gang at in East Lake Wales in retaliation for the murder of Ira Footman. Jacoya Allen (21), the girlfriend of Barnes, was shot during the incident and received non-life threatening injuries. Barnhill later accused Scarvers Jr. of perpetrating the shooting in a sworn statement. 
  • January 2, 2023 – Another shooting occurred in North Lake Wales, about 15 minutes after the first shooting. Two young girls, ages 12 and 14, were shot while lying in bed. They received non-life threatening injuries. Teville Burgess resides in the house next door and was believed to be the intended target. 
  • January 3, 2023 – A group of gang members and others were arrested for breaking into a vacant rental property in the Lake Alfred area. The residence was being used as a gang hangout, and evidence of weapons and drugs were uncovered at the location during our investigation. Javonte Tubbs (28), Tracey Moise (23), Barrington Clarke (23), De’Andre Gilford (24), Lansly Genest (22), and Shaleste Brooks (20), associates of the gang were arrested for burglary. Jonathan Scarvers, Jr. and Alex Greene, both documented gang members, were charged with armed burglary. 
  • April 2, 2023 – A carjacking occurred in Osceola County at 4:40 AM. About one hour later, the stolen vehicle was seen at the scene of a drive-by shooting which occurred in Winter Haven. The stolen vehicle was later discovered after having been set on fire a few blocks away from the home of Alejandro Mercedes, a known gang member.
  • May 18, 2023 – The vehicle of Keyshawn Cox (22) was burglarized in Winter Haven. His Micro Draco firearm, which looks like a shortened AK-47 assault rifle, was stolen.
  • May 19, 2023 – Courtney Brown’s residence was shot up in a drive-by shooting in retaliation for the theft of the Draco firearm the day before. No one was injured in this shooting. Wayne Hewitt (21) and Cox, both members of the same gang, were arrested in connection with the shooting.
  • July 2, 2023 – A Kia Soul was stolen which was later used in a drive-by shootings on July 9, 2023 in Osceola and on July 26, 2023 in Lakeland. This vehicle was seen on surveillance video outside Courtney Brown’s residence on July 5, 2023.
  • July 5, 2023 – A third shooting at the home of the Joboham brothers, Loren and Joseph, members of the same gang, occurred at 1:30AM. No one was injured in this shooting, but a neighboring house was damaged. The residents of the neighboring house had no criminal histories or ties to any gangs. The car seen on surveillance nearby at the time of this incident was linked to Buchanan.
  • July 11, 2023 – Winter Haven Police Department responded to a call about a possible location on the Kia Soul stolen on July 2. Alejandro Mercedes and Anthony Wilcox, members of same gang, were in possession of the vehicle when WHPD responded and were arrested after a brief vehicle pursuit. They were both charged with Trespassing and Resisting an Officer without Violence.
  • November 10, 2023 – At a Publix in Winter Haven, members of the three gangs engaged in a verbal argument which turned violent. Two individuals were stabbed, and Demetrius Alexis (16), later died of his injuries at the hospital. Teville Burgess was arrested in connection with the stabbing and was charged with manslaughter. Also arrested was gang member Bendarious Leaks. He was charged with battery.

Arrests & Criminal Histories

The individuals identified by our detectives as perpetrators of the prescribed events all have lengthy criminal histories, most of which date back to their adolescence. The age range of these offenders is between 16 and 29 years of age. 

“This is kids killing kids, and we’re not going to accept that. We’re not going to allow that.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

Their criminal histories, and the charges the Polk County Sheriff’s Office have arrested them for, are detailed below:

 Courtney Brown, age 21 – 

o  History: Possession of a Weapon on School Property, and Carrying a Concealed Weapon 

o  PCSO Charges: Directing gang activities with gang enhancement.

Teville Burgess, age 19 – 

o  History: Carrying a Concealed Weapon, Vehicle Theft, Burglary, and Possession of a Weapon or Ammo

o  PCSO Charges: Violation of Probation

Jonathon Scarvers Jr., age 20 – 

o  History: Weapons Charges, Fraud, and Possession of a Controlled Substance 

o  PCSO Charges: 13 counts of attempted 1stdegree murder, 2 counts shooting into occupied dwelling, 2 counts shooting from a vehicle. All with gang enhancements.

Arlearria Buchanan, age 19 – 

o  History: Burglary, Vehicle Theft, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Carrying a Concealed Weapon

o  PCSO Charges: 16 counts attempted 1stdegree murder, 2 counts shooting into occupied dwelling, 2 counts shooting from a vehicle, armed burglary, grand theft firearm, directing gang activities. All with gang enhancements

Alejandro Mercedes, age 16 – (Charged as adult)

o  History: Vehicle Theft, Burglary, Multiple counts of Discharging a Weapon

o  PCSO Charges: 14 counts of attempted 1stdegree murder, 2 counts shooting into occupied dwelling, 2 counts shooting from vehicle all with gang enhancements.

Laqavion Everett, age 16 – (Charged as adult)

o  History: Vehicle Theft, possession of an automatic firearm, and possession of a firearm

o  PCSO Charges: Possession of a machine gun, Possession of a firearm. All with gang enhancements 

Asaiah Ford, age 22 – 

o  History: Battery, Robbery with a Firearm, and Grand Theft of a Firearm

o  PCSO Charges: Use of electronic communications to further criminal/gang activity.

Loren Joboham, age 19 – 

o  History: Battery on an Education Employee, multiple counts of Burglary, and multiple counts of Possession of a Weapon 

o  PCSO Charges: Possession of a Firearm by a convicted felon, Trespassing and Resisting Arrest without violence.

Essence Lattimore, age 23 – 

o   History: Robbery, Armed Burglary, Aggravated Assault with a Weapon, and Felony Retail Theft.

o  PCSO Charges: Violation of Probation for being out past curfew. 

Other Details

The bad blood between these gangs stems in part, from a desire to “show off” on social media, and an apparent need for notoriety from their peers. They create rap songs, bragging about the crimes that they commit and share them amongst each other. Often, a new song by one of these gang members predicated a drive-by shooting or another instance of violence by their rivals. As the members of these gangs continued to age, their ability to access weapons and cars increased, which we believe accounted for the sharp uptick in drive-by shootings and violence in the areas they live in and frequent.

Many of the arrests made in this case include charges with a “gang enhancement.” Gang enhancements are added to existing charges and increase the severity of the penalty, because these illegal acts are being committed in the furtherance of gang activities.

PCSO detectives have also recovered multiple “switches,” during the course of this investigation. “Switches” are modifications that can be installed on handguns and rifles to allow them to shoot fully automatic. These alterations enhance the violence and lethality of incidents like drive-by shootings.

Operation Drive-By Bye is yet another in a series of operations carried out by the PCSO in an effort to end gang violence in our county. While our investigation into these drive-by shootings was underway, we were also conducting the following operations, which we have previously reported on, and making arrests:

  • Operation Hot Wire – (September 2019-May 2020) PCSO made 74 arrests as a result of an investigation into a gang trafficking illegal narcotics, including fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin. This gang operated county-wide, nearly every municipality was affected, and they didn’t just traffic drugs, they were also responsible for five home invasions, one of which resulted in a murder. Our detectives were able to get millions of dollars’ worth of drugs and several firearms off the streets of Polk County.
  • Operation Sex, Money, Murder – (March 2021-April 2022) PCSO made 41 arrests of gang members in Polk County for illegal drug sales, robberies, introducing contraband into prisons, conspiracy to commit murder, and coordinated attacks on other gang members. These arrests brought this organization to its knees.
  • Operation Gangs & Guns – (March 2023-October 2023) PCSO arrested six gang members in the Lakeland area for 38 different instances of car burglaries, and for stealing the theft of seven firearms. We recovered two of the seven stolen firearms, and all the charges brought against these suspects included gang enhancements. These gang enhancements allow us to keep the suspects locked up longer, and keep the citizens affected safe from being further victimized by these offenders.
  • Other Drive-By Shooting Arrests – (March 2023 & November 2023) PCSO arrested 19-year old La’Darion Chandler and 23-year old Daquan Carey, for drive-by shootings in the Lakeland and Waverly areas, respectively. Chandler is a self-proclaimed rapper, who fatally shot a man in the back. Chandler was charged with three felonies in this incident, including first degree murder. Carey is a documented gang member and his criminal history dates back to age 13. He was charged with 10 felonies and 4 misdemeanors for the shooting in Waverly. 

Man Killed In Single Vehicle Crash On Interstate 4 Near Polk City

Carl Fish
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Man Killed In Single Vehicle Crash On Interstate 4 Near Polk City

Last evening, Monday, September 16, 2024, around 10:50 p.m., the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Homicide Unit investigated a single-vehicle crash on Interstate 4 in the Polk City area, which resulted in fatal injuries to the driver. According to the investigation so far, which includes witness statements, 52-year-old Robert Ferry of Jacksonville was driving a white 2000 Chevrolet van east on I-4 just east of SR 559 in the center lanewhen he attempted a lane change. It was raining heavily at the time. Ferry lost control of the van, which began to slide and leave the roadway, breaking through the guardrail and going airborne, ejecting him in the process. He was declared deceased at the scene. The van proceeded into a ditch, where it came to a final stop. The passenger, 51-year-old Rene Nelson of Jacksonville, was belted in and received minor injuries. She was treated and released from LRH.

 

Speed too fast for the inclement weather is possibly a factor in this crash, which is still under investigation. No other vehicles were involved. The eastbound lanes of I-4 were impacted for approximately four hours during the investigation.

PCSO Grady Judd Will Brief Media On Multi Agency Investigation To Disrupt & Dismantle Gangs Operating In Polk County

Carl Fish
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PCSO Grady Judd Will Brief Media On Multi Agency Investigation To Disrupt & Dismantle Gangs Operating In Polk County

News Conference Announcement: Today, Tuesday, September 17th, 1:30 p.m. at the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Operations Center, 1891 Jim Keene Blvd., Winter Haven.

Sheriff Grady Judd will discuss the results of a multi-month Violent Gang Investigative Task Force (VGITF) created in February 2023. The VGITF was created as a multi-agency effort between the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and other law enforcement agencies to investigate, disrupt, and dismantle gangs operating in Polk County. Multiple arrests and gun seizures occurred during the VGITF operations.

The Sheriff will present information, visual displays, and multiple seized weapons will be at the news conference. 
If news media plan on attending the news conference, we ask that you let us know at [email protected]. PIO on-call phone: 863-370-0040

Polk County Manager Appoints Assistant PCFR Chief To Interim Chief

Carl Fish
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Polk County Manager Appoints Assistant PCFR Chief To Interim Chief

Beasley has named Assistant Chief Shawn Smith to be interim chief. Shawn Smith (no relation to Hezedean Smith) has 21 years’ experience in fire services, all of which have been with Polk County Fire Rescue. He began his career in 2003 as a Firefighter/Emergency Medical Technician. After serving as a Firefighter/EMT for two years, he was promoted to Engineer/Paramedic before moving to a Lieutenant/Paramedic position in 2007.

In 2016, Shawn Smith was promoted to the rank of Battalion Chief/Paramedic, and in 2019 he was promoted to Deputy Chief of Training. After serving as Deputy Chief of Training for two years, he transitioned to the Deputy Chief of Operations until being promoted to Assistant Chief of Business Services.

This is a developing story at and we will update as more information is released.

Polk County Fire Rescue Chief Resigns Following Critical Report

Carl Fish
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Polk County Fire Rescue Chief Resigns Following Critical Report

 

Bartow, Fla. (September 13, 2024) — County Manager Bill Beasley has accepted the resignation of Hezedean A. Smith, DM, effective Monday, September 30, 2024. Smith’s resignation follows release of a report commissioned by the Board of County Commissioners that reviewed management of the Fire Rescue Division (PCFR).

 

“After meeting twice with Fire Chief Smith and Deputy County Manager Joe Halman, I have placed Chief Hezedean Smith on two weeks of Administrative Leave, which will precede his resignation,” said Beasley.

 

In February 2024, Allen, Norton & Blue, P.A. (Tallahassee) was hired by the Board to review the work environment across the PCFR Division. It is important to note that this was a review, and not an investigation, as defined by the Florida Firefighters’ Bill of Rights. The Report outlined numerous challenges and recommended the County Manager review alleged management issues.

Polk Officials On The Hot Seat After Bombastic Report Opens Door For Further Scrutiny

 

“I take the challenges and frustrations expressed by members of our fire rescue division to heart and want to assure our employees that Polk County wants to create a high-performing, highly valued culture within the Fire Rescue operation,” Beasley said. “Our focus is to immediately consider necessary changes to achieve that goal.” 

 

Hezedean Smith began employment with Polk County on November 7, 2022. His annual salary was $168,096.22.

 

Polk Officials On The Hot Seat After Bombastic Report Opens Door For Further Scrutiny

Carl Fish
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Polk Officials On The Hot Seat After Bombastic Report Opens Door For Further Scrutiny

By Carl Fish

The recent investigation into the Polk County Fire Rescue Department has raised questions and concerns about the entire Polk County BOCC management. Management directly related to the fire rescue department would be the county manager, the deputy county manager, the equity HR manager, the program director of Equal Opportunity and PCFR Chief. Each of these individuals has a direct connection to the management of the county and direct interaction with the PCFR.

The current county manager is Bill Beasley. Per the county’s website “Polk County Manager Bill Beasley began his career with the County in 2006 as the Deputy County Manager over the county’s Infrastructure Group, which includes the divisions of Facilities Management, Fleet Management, Parks and Natural Resources, Real Estate Services, Roads and Drainage, Utilities and Waste and Recycling.

As the head of county government’s administrative branch, which is established by the Polk County Charter, Beasley is responsible for the proper administration of all affairs of the county. In his role, Beasley also executes the Board of County Commissioners policy direction, manages the county budget and staffing resources, engages in community relations, fosters economic development, confers in land use planning (environmental land, development, etc.) and ensures regulatory compliance.”

The significance of the county manager is that he is the head of everything. The numerous allegations against PCFR Chief Hezedean Smith all occurred under his supervision. So if they are found to be true or accurate, then he ultimately is responsible. What did Beasley know and when did he know it? L Additionally more investigations are underway within departments that work in conjunction to the PCFR. These investigations are disturbing as it shows additional issues may be going on in county management outside of the PCFR. We are currently seeking out the specific of those investigations and will share as information is released.

Editors Note: As of the posting of this article there has been no official statement regarding the investigation finding by county officials. An article by the Lakeland Ledger confirms no comments have been made yet.

The next person in direct connection is the county’s Deputy County Manager Joe Halman over Public Safety. If you will recall the investigation into the PCFR stemmed from the termination of Battalion Chief Charlie True who was deployed to a hurricane disaster zone. It was the Halman’s directive to work only 12 hour shifts. This started a confluence of several situations that led to the termination, then reinstatement (with demotion) of former Battalion Chief True. The recent PCFR investigation revealed a significant bias in how True’s disciplinary actions were conducted versus other PCFR personnel. DCM Halman was the direct cause of these issues. Additionally DCM Halman has had allegations of favoritism when it came to discipline of a fire captain James Williams in the death of a Lakeland woman in 2018 (Tampa Bay 10 Report). DCM Halman was proud to say he suspended captain Williams for 24 hours after the captain did not follow the county’s two in two out policy and shared Snapchat social media video of the fire while the Lakeland woman perished inside. Additionally disturbing is that DCM Halman dismissed accusations that PCFR personnel changed out white personnel on PCFR vehicles for black personnel during MLK parades around Polk County. “Halman denies that the County has swapped white employees for African American employees on apparatuses and states anyone is welcome to walk in the parades. However, he also advises that PDRTP graduates are put in the parade to highlight the program.” the recent PCFR investigation revealed. Emails have been obtained by the DailyRidge that clearly show white personnel being temporarily assigned to different units during MLK parades around the county. Either DCM Halman was unaware of what occurred under his leadership, misspoke to investigators or directly lied to investigators in his assessments of the situation. Recently a former PCFR captain has accused DCM Halman of belittling him during their interactions in a meeting regarding the termination of the captain. DCM Halman was the direct supervisor for embattled Chief Hezedean Smith and was instrumental in Chief Smith’s hiring.

The Equity and Human Resources manager Kandis Buford department is under a separate assessment by Matrix Consulting Group. This assessment stemmed from a required, every 8 years, Polk County Efficiency Commission compliance report. “The County will move forward to hire a skilled consultant to conduct a more comprehensive assessment of the EHR Division to include organizational structure, staffing, and related service efficiencies. This work will be initiated no later than July 2024.” per the report.” Former employees and a whistleblower are coming forward with complaints regarding EHR department. Buford is also the direct supervisor of the Equal Opportunity department which investigates all allegations and complaints. The recent PCFR investigation revealed many, many complaints about Chief H. Smith which were revealed to not be thoroughly investigated.

The Equal Opportunity Department and it’s Program Director are under scrutiny for how the conducted investigations into allegations. The program director Richard Bradford oversaw the questionable investigations into Chief Smith. An investigation into the department seem warranted considering the allegations in the PCFR Investigation report.

PCFR Chief Hezedean Smith has been the subject of several articles regarding his alleged conduct as chief and perpetuating a “Toxic” work environment. Those allegations could lead to his termination or resignation as soon as Friday (Report details ‘toxic’ workplace allegations at Polk County Fire Rescue)

Update: At 11:30am Friday the Polk County Administration has advised that PCFR Chief H. Smith has resigned

At this time a statement has not been released by the county administration or government. No comments have been given regards the allegations either. We will report on those statements as soon as they are released.

THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OFDISTINGUISHED COUNSEL

Staff Reporter
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Stephen K. Brooks, of Brooks Law Group, has been selected to the 2024 list as a member of the Nation’s Top One Percent by the National Association of Distinguished Counsel. NADC is an organization dedicated to promoting the highest standards of legal excellence. Its mission is to objectively recognize the attorneys who elevate the standards of the Bar and provide a benchmark for other lawyers to emulate.


Members are thoroughly vetted by a research team, selected by a blue ribbon panel of attorneys with podium status from independently neutral organizations, and approved by a judicial review board as exhibiting virtue in the practice of law. Due to the incredible selectivity of the appointment process, only the top one percent of attorneys in the United States are awarded membership in NADC. This
elite class of advocates consists of the finest leaders of the legal profession from across the nation.

Former PCFR Captain & Current Frostproof Fire Chief Disputes Comments Made By Deputy County Manager Halman In Recent Report

Carl Fish
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Former PCFR Captain & Current Frostproof Fire Chief Disputes Comments Made By Deputy County Manager Halman In Recent Report

By Anita Todd & Carl Fish

An official report of the management of the Polk County Fire Rescue Division was recently released. At least one former employee disagrees with the comments made in the report by Deputy County Manager Joe Halman, Jr. and say that he is incompetent and disrespectful to others including employees and civilians.

In the recent report by Allen Norton & Blue, P.A., which was engaged by the Polk County Board of County Commissioners (“Board”) to provide a review of the management of the Polk County Fire Rescue Division (“Fire Rescue” or “Division”) comments were attributed by DCM Halman, which Riner disputes. Here are those comments from the report “In another example, a battalion chief had accepted the position of interim Fire Chief for the City of Frostproof. However, Article 16, Section 7, of the collective bargaining agreement between the County and the bargaining unit of battalion chiefs prohibited such secondary employment with another fire rescue agency. The County well-reasoned that the risks associated with liability questions under the Florida Heart and Lung Act as well as potential conflicts of interest outweighed the battalion chief’s interest in the interim position.”

Riner contends those statements are not entirely accurate. Riner advises he was also the Frostproof Fire Chief and Fire Inspector before he was hired by the County and he says his supervisors – including Halman knew of that part-time employment. However, Riner points out to receive state funding, in early 2021, the administration told him he needed to resign from the Frostproof positions. 

The state funding requires that firefighters are only employed by one fire department. The County “well-reasoned that the risks associated with liability questions under the Florida Heart and Lung Act as well as potential conflicts of interest outweighed the ‘battalion chief’s’ interest in the ‘interim’ position,” the report read.

Riner disagrees with that statement saying that the information Halman provided for the new report is incorrect.

“I wasn’t the ‘interim’ fire chief of Frostproof. I was the Fire Chief and I wasn’t a ‘battalion chief’ for the County. I was a captain,” Riner said. “If Halman can’t get important details of someone’s career and circumstances that effectively ended it, how can he be trusted with others careers?”

Riner felt he followed protocol and met with administration to ask to continue as the Frostproof Fire Inspector since that position wouldn’t require him to be around dangerous chemicals and materials. He was told in April of 2021 that he would be notified of the decision. Months passed with no word.

Photo of Riner in Frostproof Gear In 2010. (Photo Provided)

In September, he was told by the then-Fire Chief Robert Weech that he would receive a waiver to work for the City of Frostproof, which never happened.

In October, he was called to meet with Halman, Weech and Kandis Baker-Buford, Director of Equity and Human Resources. In the meeting, Riner said that Halman belittled the captain with 27 years of experience saying, “Let me ask you? What good are you on a scene? You are just an EMT.” Riner explains that he meant he wasn’t a paramedic, a more specialized position. 

“Holman made me feel insignificant as a captain. Being accused of insubordination and untruthfulness questioned my character,” he said. “I felt beaten. I didn’t want to go through it anymore.”

In the same meeting, Riner said Halman told him, “You are gonna do it (resign from Frostproof) or you are going to be terminated.” 

“I asked if I could speak to his supervisor – someone above him – and he said, ‘No. It stops with me,’” Riner said. 

Citizen Life-Saving Awarded to Jerry Riner: On October 21, 2021, Officers from the Lake Wales Police Department responded to a traffic crash on Highway 60 near the intersection of 9th Street. The driver of the vehicle suffered an apparent medical emergency causing him to leave the roadway, nearly crashing into a home. You were driving in the area and saw the vehicle leave the roadway. You immediately pulled over to render aid and found the driver unresponsive and not breathing. You removed the driver from the vehicle and began administering CPR until the Lake Wales Fire Department and Polk County EMS arrived. Before the driver left the scene by ambulance, their vital signs had improved significantly. In response to your quick thinking and willingness to administer aid, the driver of the vehicle survived. As a result of your heroic actions, I am presenting you with our Citizen’s Life Saving Award and commend you for your service to our community. (Photo from City of Lake Wales)

Following was a series of meetings, write ups for insubordination and untruthfulness, and administrative leaves with and without pay for Riner. 

Riner hired an attorney and his wife, Stacey, became very vocal on social media, especially Facebook. Finally, Riner received a verbal offer: He would be allowed to retire if his wife would stop all social media posts and “stop being vocal.” Riner was also required to halt all legal action.

Riner said that he had accepted what happened – although he was forever changed by the actions of Halman and other administrators – until the new report. 

“I knew they were coming after me. If you get in their sights, something is going to happen to you,” Riner said. “I had accepted it until this new report came out with Halman giving the wrong details about what happened with me.”

Riner retired from the County. He is still employed by the City of Frostproof and has been for 32 years. 

“He didn’t ruin my career. He ended it with the County,” Riner said. “He is supposed to be the highest level of administrator in fire service and he’s so incompetent that he can’t get the story straight. How can he be trusted with others’ careers?”

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