Report details ‘toxic’ workplace allegations at Polk County Fire Rescue

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — An investigation into the leadership at Polk County Fire Rescue, ordered by county commissioners, details allegations of a toxic workplace.

The report was prepared by Tallahassee-based consulting firm Allen, Norton and Blue.

Many of the issues raised focused on current Polk County Fire Chief Hezedean Smith, who became the department’s first Black fire chief in 2022.

The report found that Smith has instituted some positive changes during his tenure, including recognizing crews for reviving patients in distress.

However, the consultants’ findings also raised concerns about the department, including allegations of low morale, uneven discipline, inappropriate comments by managers and poor communication with firefighters in the field.

The consultants’ report stopped short of recommending action, deferring instead to county leaders. News Channel 8 has reached out to Smith for a response to the findings.

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