PALM BAY, Fla. – The City of Palm Bay has fired a Palm Bay Fire Rescue lieutenant after an internal investigation concluded he falsified clinical documentation while enrolled in a city-sponsored paramedic program, according to a termination memorandum obtained by The Space Coast Rocket.
Lieutenant/EMT Kevin Plunkett was terminated effective immediately in an Aug. 28 memorandum signed out of Palm Bay Fire Rescue headquarters at 899 Carlyle Ave. SE. The memo is addressed from Deputy Chief Nathan Thomas and carries the subject line “Pre-Disciplinary Hearing Findings.”
What the investigation found
According to the memorandum, Plunkett was dismissed from the city-sponsored Eastern Florida State College Paramedic Program, and that dismissal triggered an internal investigation into the circumstances behind it.
The investigation identified falsification or submission of inaccurate clinical documentation, and the submission of clinical hours that the memo says may not have been completed as represented.
Investigators also found that Plunkett submitted clinical logs containing preceptor signatures that the identified individuals have stated are not their signatures, and that he submitted patient contacts for incidents in which he may not have personally participated.
The memo further states that Plunkett accessed patient care information through ESO, the electronic patient care reporting system used by the department, involving incidents in which he was not a member of the responding crew or otherwise involved in the patient’s care.
Finally, the investigation found that Plunkett provided false or misleading information to Eastern Florida State College in connection with completion of the paramedic program, and that his conduct potentially constituted Conduct Unbecoming an Employee under the city’s administrative code.
The hearing and the ruling
A pre-determination hearing was held Aug. 25. The memorandum states Plunkett was given the opportunity to present contrary evidence, explanation, mitigating information and comments regarding the findings.
Thomas wrote that the investigation established falsification of clinical documentation, inaccurate reporting of clinical hours and patient contacts, and conduct inconsistent with the standards required of a city employee.
Plunkett was found in violation of two provisions of the City of Palm Bay administrative code listing dismissible offenses: item 23, covering conduct that raises obvious questions as to an employee’s ability to maintain public trust, and item 28, a catch-all provision covering policy violations equal in gravity to the enumerated offenses.
“After careful consideration of the relevant information pertaining to this matter,” Thomas wrote, “I am sustaining the dismissible charges above.”
Under Article 10 of the city’s contract with the International Association of Fire Fighters, Plunkett has five workdays to grieve the termination. The IAFF president was copied on the memorandum.
Second Fire Rescue termination in eight days
The firing is the second personnel action to hit Palm Bay Fire Rescue’s ranks in just over a week.
On Aug. 21, we reported that Morton terminated Assistant Fire Chief Brandon McKee effective Aug. 20. The letter to McKee stated he was an at-will employee and that the city had determined termination was in its best interest, but it gave no specific reason. A city spokesperson told the station she had no additional information about the decision.
The two cases moved through different processes. McKee, as an at-will employee, was terminated by the city manager without a stated cause. Plunkett, a bargaining-unit member covered by the IAFF contract, received a pre-determination hearing and a written statement of charges.
Outstanding questions
The memorandum does not address several matters raised by its own findings.
It does not say whether the city referred the disputed preceptor signatures to law enforcement or to the State Attorney’s Office, or whether any criminal investigation is underway. No charges have been announced.
It does not state whether the alleged access to patient care records was reviewed for patient privacy implications, whether affected patients were notified, or whether the matter was reported to the department’s medical director or the Florida Department of Health.
It also does not address the cost to taxpayers of the city-sponsored paramedic program seat, or whether the city will seek reimbursement.
The Space Coast Rocket is requesting the complete internal investigative file, the college’s dismissal correspondence, the preceptor statements, ESO access audit logs and tuition records.
The findings described here are the result of a city personnel process, not a criminal proceeding, and remain subject to grievance under the union contract.
Have information about this case or about Palm Bay Fire Rescue? Contact The Space Coast Rocket at editor@thespacecoastrocket.com
Criminal Defense
Bankruptcy · Evictions
WICKS LAW P.A.
Call or text for
free consult
321-733-2700
Eric Wicks, Esq.
1250 West Eau Gallie Blvd. G
Melbourne, FL 32935
Abogado Wicks habla español
