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Polk County fire chief resigns after report details 'toxic' workplace, low morale at department

By and FOX 13 News Staff
Updated  September 13, 2024 5:14pm EDT
Polk County
FOX 13 News

Polk fire chief resigns after scathing report

Carla Bayron reports

BARTOW, Fla. - Polk County Fire Chief Hezedean Smith has resigned after reports surfaced of a toxic workplace and low morale at the fire rescue department. 

READ: New report alleges toxic work environment, low morale at Polk County Fire Rescue

County Manager Bill Beasley accepted Smith's resignation, effective Monday, September 30, after a labor law firm's report commissioned by Polk County commissioners earlier this year reviewed the management of the PCFR. 

According to authorities, Chief Smith has been placed on two weeks of administrative leave, which will precede his resignation. 

In the 45-page report initiated by Allen, Norton & Blue, P.A. in February, employees at the department reported numerous allegations against the chief, claiming he ‘belittles and bullies’ and saying they feared retaliation at work and in general. 

New report details complaints about Polk fire chief

A new report is shedding light on allegations of a toxic work environment at Polk County Fire Rescue. 

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Nearly all of the personnel interviewed in the report said their morale was very low and identified Smith as the cause. 

"I take the challenges and frustrations expressed by members of our fire rescue division to heart and want to assure our employees that Polk County wants to create a high-performing, highly valued culture within the Fire Rescue operation," Beasley said. "Our focus is to immediately consider necessary changes to achieve that goal."  

In his resignation letter submitted Wednesday, Sept. 11, Smith said his decision stemmed from the violation of his rights under the Firefighter Bill of Rights. In contrast, Beasley stated the independent review was not an investigation, as defined by the Bill of Rights.

Smith went on to list his accomplishments he said the review did not include. He added that he has endured scrutiny and hostility tied to his race and there have been morale issues at PCFR over the last seven years during which there have been three fire chiefs.

Hezedean Smith

He stated in part: "I was unfairly targeted and retaliated against for upholding the department's accountability, truthfulness, and discipline standards, leading to a hostile and untenable work environment within Polk County Fire Rescue."

Smith has been the fire chief in Polk County since November 7, 2022. When FOX 13 initially reported on the allegations against Smith, he wrote the following in an emailed response:

"At this time, I’m holding off on a response until county officials make a decision on how to best handle this."

Assistant Chief Shawn Smith - no relation to Hezedean Smith - has been named the interim chief. 

A union representative with IAFF Local 3531 told FOX 13 this was not a matter he could comment on at this time. 

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