INDIAN SHORES, Fla. — The Pinellas Suncoast Fire & Rescue Board of Commissioners voted Tuesday to spend at least $20,000 of taxpayer money for an independent investigation into allegations of a toxic and volatile workplace.
“I asked that the board look into a thorough investigation as to every allegation. I have nothing to hide,” Davidson told 10 Investigates at Tuesday’s commission meeting, which did not follow Robert’s Rules of Order and spiraled beyond the control of the commissioners as audience members spoke out of turn, interrupted speakers and hurled insults.
The board voted unanimously to hire Weiss Serota Helfman Cole + Bierman, P.L. at a rate of $350 per hour to investigate at least two administrative complaints from the union and that accuse Chief Davidson of fostering unsafe working conditions, medical privacy violations and discrimination among other claims.
This includes a complaint alleging the chief held a handgun while driving with a lieutenant struggling with his or her mental health and made a comment about taking that lieutenant to the tracks. The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office investigated and said it found nothing criminal.
“I am legally allowed to carry my gun in my car. I simply was putting it away. It was away, but it was in between us. I was putting it in the door, and that’s exactly what the lieutenant confirmed,” Chief Davidson said.
RELATED: Misconduct allegations mount against Pinellas Suncoast Fire & Rescue chief
Assistant Chief David Karpinecz was placed on paid administrative leave after filing a complaint related to this incident. He said he was not given a reason why.
“Where do I stand?” Karpiniecz asked the commission. “You tell me to provide a service. I want to provide a service. I’m not guilty. I’m not under [investigation]. Where do I stand?”
Davidson told 10 Investigates it was because a hostile work environment complaint came in and they could not keep him in the same space as the complainant.
“I’m disheartened,” said Karpinecz, who also questioned whether the chief accessed his work computer to go through his personal emails while placed on leave.
Davidson also said he believes he is being targeted by frustrated union members.
“It has become evident that there are a few rogue union members who have coerced others and endeavored to cover up many wrongdoings by the executive board members,” Davidson said. He accused board members of “gross misconduct.”
The chief also said to the board, “It has become obvious that the recent efforts to discredit and defame Chief Davidson are a direct result of their unsuccessful attempts to subvert the union negotiations, circumvent personnel advancement processes and cover up unethical behaviors. This endangers the protections guaranteed to all union members and district personnel as a whole. This also destroys the confidence of his membership in a fair and equitable promotion process.”
Some in attendance at Tuesday’s meeting spoke to support Chief Davidson, while others called for him to be placed on paid administrative leave while the investigation takes place.
Board members decided not to take that action, saying the district still needs a leader as the department navigates the investigation.
“There’s going to be a full investigation,” Commissioner Heather Fleming Koskinas said.
“We don’t have the facts. We have a lot of people making accusations. But we don’t have the facts. We want the facts to make the decision,” Commissioner Elizabeth “Betsy” McKenna added.
When asked if there was concern that the chief would remain on duty amid the investigation, McKenna said there are few other options.
“I don’t know any other solution other than to do an investigation,” she said.
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.