FL Fire Chief on Leave amid Probe into Alleged Discrimination

Flagler County Fire Chief Don Petito was placed on leave Tuesday pending an investigation into a complaint alleging discrimination and retaliation, according to county officials.

The investigation stems from a previous discrimination complaint against Petito. The complainant was unsatisfied with the result, according to Jerry Cameron, county administrator, and filed a second complaint claiming he was retaliated against.

Specific details, including the complainant's name, are confidential until the investigation is complete and Petito has been informed of the outcome, said Julie Murphy, county spokeswoman.

"We can't give you too much information because it's a personnel issue and there is an investigation going on," Cameron said. "I certainly don't want to compromise the chief if it turns out that this is unfounded. He's had a great career in Flagler County, and we wouldn't want to damage that unnecessarily."

Petito declined to comment.

Attorney Mark Levitt, with Orlando-based law firm Allen Norton & Blue, is handling the investigation.

On Tuesday, Joe King, the county's deputy fire chief, was appointed acting fire chief until the investigation concludes, according to Cameron.

If King remains in the position for more than 20 days, the county will reevaluate his salary to reflect the additional duties, according to a letter Cameron sent to King Tuesday.

"I have had too many long investigations," Cameron said. "I instructed that this be completed in a matter of weeks."

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