Galveston's Beach Patrol Chief Peter Davis has been suspended without pay as the region approaches its peak drowning season; this decision comes amidst an investigation by the Galveston Park Board following allegations that Davis permitted four members of the National Chilean Lifeguard Federation to stay overnight in the non-public Stewart Beach Pavilion. This information comes from reports provided by both FOX 26 and KHOU 11 News.
Chief Davis has reportedly been given no written explanation for the suspension after his four-decade tenure, a puzzling fact given the timing and potential impacts on beach safety this could entail the suspended chief has claimed that "he has never received anything in writing or any details at all," describing why he was suspended after 40 years on the force, according to a statement obtained by FOX 26. The Chilean lifeguards, in town to train Galveston's own on jet ski rescues, found themselves without funding for housing and were allowed to stay at the closed facility, which lead to the suspension.
No action regarding Davis' suspension was taken at the Tuesday's Park Board meeting, with both CEO Kimberly Denasi and Board chair Jason Hardcastle declining to comment due to the ongoing nature of the investigation. Meanwhile, the Chilean Chief exclusively told FOX 26 that despite their involvement in the situation, they have not been contacted for the investigation.
Many questions remain unanswered as the Park Board has yet to provide a definition of 'General Public' even after requests from FOX 26, adding to the tension and uncertainty that hangs over the Beach Patrol's preparedness for the critical upcoming season when drownings are on the rise, the timing of Davis' suspension creates a concerning gap in leadership at a juncture when experience and quick response can mean the difference between life and death.
