A top official in Jacksonville’s Medical Examiner’s Office is back on the job after a short, quiet stint on administrative leave triggered by a social media post the city said appeared to celebrate the death of President Donald Trump. The leave wrapped up this month with a formal written warning that labeled the conduct “unacceptable.”
Post, Leave and Viral Reaction
Dr. Bob Pfalzgraf posted on X at 12:04 a.m. on April 6, writing, “I’m looking forward to the big beautiful obituary,” a late-night message that was captured and widely shared online, according to WJXT News4Jax. After the screenshot began circulating and drawing public attention, the City of Jacksonville placed Pfalzgraf on paid administrative leave while officials reviewed the post. That scrutiny led to a personnel review and a formal counseling notice placed in his file.
Warning Letter and Return to Duty
A written counseling memo dated April 13, signed by Chief Medical Examiner B. Robert Pietak, warns that Pfalzgraf’s off-duty comment “has been unacceptable” and was “inappropriate and inconsistent with the standards expected of someone in your position,” according to a copy posted on Scribd. The memo states that the post “undermines public confidence” in the office and frames the counseling as a final warning, noting that any future violation could lead to termination.
Action News Jax reported that following the review, Pfalzgraf was reinstated. The outlet also noted he has worked in the Medical Examiner’s Office since 2017 and earns about $306,653 annually.
What the Medical Examiner’s Office Covers
The District 4 Medical Examiner’s Office oversees death investigations in Duval, Clay and Nassau counties and, together with District 3, serves more than 1.3 million residents across northeast Florida, according to the City of Jacksonville. The office functions as the region’s independent forensic authority, routinely handling homicides, overdoses and unattended deaths that require impartial review.
Why Officials Say It Matters
City leaders and the memo stress that senior staffers carry a significant burden of public trust and that off-duty remarks can easily be tied back to the agency. Employees are told they must “exercise sound judgment in all public communications,” according to the counseling memo on Scribd. The letter also reiterates Directive 0529, the city’s social media policy, and makes clear this written counseling is effectively the last step before possible termination.
Action News Jax reported that Pfalzgraf did not respond to requests for comment and that the Florida Department of Health also declined to comment. For now, the written counseling remains in his personnel record, and the city has warned that another misstep could cost the deputy his job.
