LAKELAND, Fla. — A Polk County fire captain is under investigation for how he responded to a fire April 4.
- Captain under investigation for not wearing protective gear
- Dept. received complaint about captain not wearing equipment
- Polk Co. policy requires protective gear when fighting fire
Captain Jay Schwartz was off duty and in the area of West Daughtery Road when the fire broke out in the home.
Schwartz can be seen in cell phone video taken by a neighbor. He is in street clothes and not wearing protective gear as he sprays the house with a hose.
“Well, we got a complaint about the captain not having on protective equipment,” said Deputy County Manager Joe Halman Jr.
Because of the complaint, the county launched a formal review of what happened.
County policy requires firefighters to wear protective gear when fighting a fire. Halman said Schwartz could potentially face a letter of reprimand and be required to get extra training.
The investigation is not going over well with some residents near the fire.
“I mean come on, cut me some slack. God bless that firefighter,” said neighbor Loretta Deal.
“I think they ought to leave that old boy alone. Buy him something to eat — dinner,” said George Barrett.
Barrett said he had lived in the burned out house but was not in town at the time of the fire.
Although Schwartz could face discipline, Halman said he could also be up for formal positive recognition for going out of his way while not on duty to help in an emergency.
“He didn’t have on equipment. He’s off duty. But I commend him for saving a life. I commend him for taking care of business in his neighborhood,” Halman said.
Halman said the investigation could be wrapped up by the end of the week. He says if any firefighters were found to have violated policy, they could be disciplined.
Authorities believe the fire was an act of arson and arrested a suspect.