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Fla. fire lieutenant fired over falsified paramedic training records

Palm Bay officials found the lieutenant falsified clinical documentation and inaccurately reported hours and patient contacts in a paramedic program

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PALM BAY, Fla. — The city of Palm Bay fired a fire department lieutenant after an internal investigation found he falsified clinical documentation related to a paramedic training program.

Lieutenant Kevin Plunkett was terminated effective Aug. 28, according to a disciplinary memorandum obtained by WFTV.

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The investigation began after Plunkett was dismissed from the city-sponsored Eastern Florida State College Paramedic Program.

According to the disciplinary memorandum, investigators found multiple problems with Plunkett’s clinical records, including allegedly falsified or inaccurate documentation, questionable clinical hours and preceptor signatures that individuals said were not theirs.

Investigators also cited patient contacts from calls Plunkett may not have participated in, access to patient care information when he was not involved in the response, and false or misleading information provided to Eastern Florida State College about completing the paramedic program.

Following a pre-disciplinary hearing, the city determined that Plunkett falsified clinical documentation and inaccurately reported clinical hours and patient contacts.

Officials sustained two offenses that warranted dismissal, including conduct that raised concerns about his ability to maintain public trust. The city said Plunkett was allowed to provide evidence or information in his defense before his termination.

The decision can be challenged through the grievance process outlined in the firefighters’ union contract.

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Bill Carey is the associate editor for FireRescue1.com and EMS1.com. A former Maryland volunteer firefighter, sergeant, and lieutenant, Bill has written for several fire service publications and platforms. His work on firefighter behavioral health garnered a 2014 Neal Award nomination. His ongoing research and writings about line-of-duty death data is frequently cited in articles, presentations, and trainings. Have a news tip? He can be reached at news@lexipol.com.