VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — Daytona Beach city leaders are facing new questions after a longtime fire battalion chief was terminated following what officials described as disciplinary violations, including missing a mandatory meeting.
9 Investigates previously reported that former battalion chief Andre Chaney was terminated after 26 years with the department.
Termination paperwork stated Chaney was dismissed for not being truthful about missing a required meeting. Chaney has told 9 Investigates he had also been working with City Auditor Abinet Belachew since February and provided documents tied to an ongoing financial investigation.
Belachew confirmed Chaney is considered a whistleblower in that investigation.
9 Investigates reached out Monday to every city commissioner, the mayor and the city manager seeking comment on the termination.
Commissioner Ken Strickland said he had no comment.
Commissioner Stacy Cantu said she found the termination troubling and questioned whether the cited violations justified ending a 26-year career.
“After reviewing the circumstances and policies surrounding the termination of a veteran Fire Department employee, I find it a little troubling that he was terminated for minor offenses,” Cantu said in a statement.
She added that missing a mandatory meeting or wearing a sweatshirt in cold weather does not appear to justify ending a 26-year career.
Cantu also referenced protections under Florida’s whistleblower law, saying if investigators determine...
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