David Wyatt, a fire truck driver, has been praised in annual reviews despite a recent crash with a Brightline train that raised concerns.
But then, on December 28, things took a turn. Wyatt drove a fire truck onto the tracks while the crossing gates were down, and a Brightline train came barreling toward them. It was a scary situation, and he and two other firefighters ended up in the hospital. Since then, there’s been a lot of chatter about the crash, with investigations and debates among city officials about what to share with the public.
Interestingly, Wyatt’s driver’s license was suspended just before the crash due to a careless driving citation. However, his annual review didn’t mention this at all. It’s a bit concerning, especially since there have been discussions about other fire department employees having suspended licenses while on the job.
Now, Wyatt’s on paid administrative leave, along with his supervisor and a couple of other senior staff members. They’re all under investigation, but it’s worth noting that Wyatt has a solid track record. He’s been recognized for his leadership and safety practices over the years, and his recent evaluations have been outstanding.
The whole situation has sparked a lot of questions about transparency and safety within the fire department. It’s a tough spot for everyone involved, and it’ll be interesting to see how it all unfolds.
