An independent investigation has found no evidence supporting the harassment and retaliation claims made by former Delray Beach Fire Rescue Chief Keith Tomey against City Manager Terrence Moore, as per an official statement from the city. The probe, which was sparked by accusations from Tomey that Moore had engaged in harassment and retaliatory behavior, concluded with the determination that the allegations were "unsubstantiated," according to BocaNewsNow.com.
The investigation included interviews with witnesses and an exhaustive review of the evidence. "Investigators determined that the three alleged instances of retaliation were unsubstantiated and that the incident of alleged harassment was not sustained," according to a statement issued by BocaNewsNow.com. The city of Delray Beach reiterated its "unwavering commitment" to uphold its standards of conduct and the safety of its staff in the wake of the findings.
Former chief Tomey was dismissed by Moore on Wednesday, a move justified in a termination letter referencing multiple incidents. Tomey had previously allowed on-duty firefighters to participate in a charity sporting event, resulting in an engine being taken out of service. This decision was criticized in a separate investigation for potentially affecting citywide response times. Moore also mentioned an incident where Tomey disclosed the medical condition of an employee, which led to a privacy-related settlement of $25,000, and a traffic accident involving a city vehicle, after which Tomey violated policy by refusing an immediate blood test.
Despite the mixed turmoil, this chapter in Delray Beach's municipal saga seems to be closing. Moore fired Tomey without the need for commission approval, citing a "pattern of willful, insubordinate behavior coupled with poor decision-making," as BocaMag.com reported. The letter detailed various issues, extending from operational misconduct to policy infractions, likely precluding support from the firefighters' union in any appeal to the commission, especially given that the current majority won their seats without union backing.
While Tomey's attorney had linked the claims against Moore to past personal trauma, the independent investigator's report evidenced otherwise. As for the city, it remains devoted to its employees' well-being, emphatically supporting a work environment characterized by respect and safety. Additional training on diversity, equity, and inclusion is part of the city's proactive approach enveloping all employees within its fold. In light of the investigation's results, the focus now shifts to recruiting a new fire chief and moving past the recent upheavals.
