INDIAN ROCKS BEACH, Fla. — Firefighters working to protect beach communities along Pinellas County’s Gulf Coast said in a letter to district commissioners that the Pinellas Suncoast Fire & Rescue chief has undermined trust through intimidation, discrimination, creating unsafe working conditions, violating medical privacy, engaging in financial abuse and unfair labor practices.
The letter comes as the department’s assistant chief was placed on paid administrative leave after filing a whistleblower complaint. That complaint alleged that Chief Jeffrey Davidson held a gun and made concerning comments while driving in a department vehicle with a firefighter believed to be struggling with his or her mental health.
"I looked forward and saw Chief Davidson with his arm extended across the center console, holding a black handgun with his palm facing upward," the complaint reads. "As we were driving, Chief Davidson was still holding the black handgun and bouncing the backside of his hand on the center console."
The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office confirmed it investigated the incident, but a spokesperson said investigators found nothing criminal.
Still, multiple firefighters in the department told 10 Investigates they found the incident troubling and inappropriate. They spoke on the condition of anonymity for fear of retaliation, which was another concern outlined in the union complaint.
The IAFF Local 5374 Executive Board said in the letter it “expresses deep concern that this complaint may result in retaliatory actions by Chief Davidson against the E-Board members. The Chief’s history of retaliatory behavior toward those who challenge or question his decisions has created an atmosphere of intimidation, worsening the already toxic environment.”
Firefighters said Chief Davidson abused power and defied medical privacy policies.
“Chief Davidson has contacted members’ personal doctors and psychiatric providers without consent, violating their privacy and contravening HIPAA regulations,” the complaint alleges.
It also says, “Members are increasingly anxious about coming to work, fearing unjust discipline or retaliation stemming from administrative biases or past disagreements.”
Davidson is also accused of "undermining the union by engaging in direct bargaining with individual members outside of formal meetings."
The union has asked the Pinellas Suncoast Fire & Rescue Board of Commissioners for a formal investigation. 10 Investigates reached out to all four commissioners for comment but only spoke to one, who said he had not read through all the documents and could not make a fully informed statement.
10 Investigates also went to Pinellas Suncoast Fire and Rescue headquarters to speak to Chief Davidson. An employee told us he had no comment.
This is a developing story. More information will be provided as it becomes available.
Emerald Morrow is an investigative reporter with 10 Tampa Bay. Like her on Facebook and follow her on X. You can also email her at emorrow@10tampabay.com.
