DELRAY BEACH — Four Delray Beach Fire Rescue employees with a combined 77 years of experience as city firefighters are on administrative leave after a Dec. 28 Brightline train collision with a city fire truck, and union leaders are not happy the names of the four were released.
The crash in Delray Beach left three firefighters and 12 Brightline passengers injured. Assistant Chief Kevin Green, Division Chief Todd Lynch, Captain Brian Fiorey and Driver Engineer David Wyatt were subsequently placed on paid leave, according to a Jan. 3 public announcement from Delray Beach Fire Chief Ronald Martin.
Wyatt, Fiorey and firefighter Joseph Fiumara III were on the fire truck and were transported to Delray Medical Center as trauma victims after the the crash, according to the Delray Beach Police Department. Wyatt was driving the fire truck at the time of the crash.
Delray Beach Fire Rescue Chief Ronald Martin
Following the placement of four employees on paid leave, Delray Beach Fire Rescue launched an internal administrative investigation to determine whether city and fire rescue policies and procedures were followed.
Martin’s move to release the names of the four employees placed on administrative leave after the crash was denounced by the union that represents Delray Beach firefighters in a Jan. 3 Facebook post. In the post, union leaders called Martin’s decision “reckless and irresponsible.”
“Chief Martin’s decision to prematurely name individuals, without the conclusion of a thorough investigation, not only undermines fundamental principles of due process but signals a dangerous erosion in leadership and integrity,” the post stated. “In doing so, Chief Martin risks the creation of a culture of selfishness and skepticism at Delray Beach Fire Rescue, a Department that relies on unity and trust to function effectively during emergencies.”
A Delray Beach ladder firetruck was crossing the FEC tracks near the intersection of East Atlantic Avenue and SE 1st Avenue when it was struck by a Brightline train December 28, 2024 in Delray Beach.
Administrative leave with pay is a standard procedural action, not a disciplinary measure, according to the city. Per Florida Statute Chapter 119, an employee’s name, title and employment status are not confidential, and documents placing an employee on leave are not confidential or exempt.
In a written statement responding to the union’s Facebook post, Martin said he appreciated the union’s role in advocating for its members.
“As Fire Chief, my priority remains ensuring the safety of our firefighters and the community while upholding the integrity of the Fire Rescue Department,” Martin said. “I want to assure all members of Delray Beach Fire Rescue and the public that this process will be conducted with fairness, professionalism, and respect that each employee deserves.
A Brightline passenger train sits near downtown Delray Beach on Saturday afternoon after colliding with a Delray Beach Fire Rescue truck.
“My commitment to due process remains steadfast. My focus is on strengthening this department, supporting our firefighters, and ensuring that we continue to provide the highest level of service to the residents of Delray Beach.”
City Manager Terrence Moore said the decision to release the four names had been made in alignment with the city’s “commitment to transparency and public accountability.”
“This was not an abandonment of due process but rather a necessary step to maintain public trust in our department while an administrative investigation is conducted,” Moore said.
Jasmine Fernández is a journalist covering Delray Beach and Boca Raton for The Palm Beach Post. You can reach her at jfernandez@pbpost.com and follow her on X (formerly Twitter) at @jasminefernandz. Help support our work. Subscribe today.
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This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Delray Beach firefighter union denounces chief after Brightline crash