Editorial
Who says life cannot imitate art? For a Second Time!
As if ripped right off the pages from the daily rushes of a sizzling daytime soap opera, the latest storyline in the always interesting life of the LA (Lehigh Acres) Fire Department reveals deception, breach of trust, infidelity, drunkenness, drugs, motorcycle gang members and salacious sex between firefighters.
The Lehigh Acres Gazette did this first article on Lt. Larry Arfmann on May 6, 2013.
Then LAFD Chief John Wayne released a public records report concerning the investigation of Lt. Larry Arfmann, assigned to Station 102. There actually was no investigation, per se, but an examination of a confession admitted by Arfmann that he had been engaged in a long-time sexual relationship with a subordinate co-worker. According to Wayne, this is a serious violation of district policy. Note: there is no rule or regulation prohibiting what the district terms as being involved in a “dating” relationship between employees as well as between supervisor/subordinate. The violation enters because district policy demands that the senior employee immediately report the relationship to the proper chain of command. Ostensibly, concern arises to make sure both parties are separated professionally to avoid impropriety.
Impropriety?
Well, the plot starts to thicken here. Yes, Arfmann finally “came clean.” He reported the affair to Wayne sort of voluntarily. Sort of only due to the fact he “got busted.” Not by one of his superiors. He wasn’t ratted out by a fellow worker or an anonymous phone call from a district taxpayer. No…he was found out by his wife. Uh-oh.
Wayne met with Arfmann who, according to the chief, was forthcoming and honest about the illicit relationship he had with FF/PM Denise Potter. However, the One Life to Burn writers threw in the first plot twist when Arfmann’s wife, Dawn, reported that Potter had attempted to secure a restraining order against her. It was denied but no additional “secrets” were revealed concerning why Potter had felt the move necessary. What’s that old saying about a woman scorned?
Since Arfmann waived a formal inquiry as well as any legal representation, Wayne turned the matter over to Arfmann’s supervisor, Battalion Chief Tim Christensen for a disciplinary recommendation. Christensen interviewed both Arfmann and Potter determining that although poor judgment was evident, a violation of the Workplace Relationship policy had occurred (Arfmann failed to report the affair immediately) the affair was ended and no repeat activity of this nature would ever occur again. He recommended Arfmann receive a one-shift (24-hour) suspension. Potter faced no disciplinary action at all.
Drama over? Are you kidding?
Wayne rejected Christensen’s recommendation. He stated he did not agree with Christensen and delivered the following disciplinary action:
· Arfmann will be demoted to the position of FF/PM (Firefighter/Paramedic) immediately. This is the position he held before his promotion to lieutenant on Aug. 6, 2007.
· He will be placed on administrative leave with pay effective immediately and advised when to return back to duty
· Arfmann will receive a shift change through this decision and will be informed about his new assignment once he returns to duty
· Arfmann will be eligible for promotion according to the collective bargaining agreement
Does the storyline end here? No…but unlike a Friday soap episode, no cliffhanger here.
Arfmann obviously liked his supervisor-in-arms disciplinary solution since he filed a grievance through the union to fight the chief’s plan.
Losing whatever the value of a one-shift suspension was all Arfmann was willing to suffer for violating district policy. Now bring on the lawyers…bring on additional costs for the taxpayers of the LAFD.
Now 2023 One Life to Burn: Sex Scandal Part Deux
Now DIVISION CHIEF OF TRAINING Larry Arfmann making over $135,000.00 a year has been committing adultery again for some time with a female chief officer firefighter from a different fire department in Lee County. (We are not sharing her name at this present time.)
And Arfmann’s third divorce is in the court’s hands.
Facts:
In 2013 Arfmann was demoted to the position of FF/PM
Arfmann was promoted to Lieutenant on 11/19/17 with an annual salary of $82,190.78
Arfmann was promoted to Captain on 1/1/2019 with an annual salary of $94,999.84
Arfmann was promoted to Division Chief of Training on 2/1/2021 with an annual salary of $121,363.84 now making over $135,000 a year.
Arfmann has a major issue keeping his manhood in his pants when he’s married, for the third time.
Through Arfmann’s fate will not be the same as last time, but there are questions that need to be asked.
Did Arfmann possibly use taxpayer money for hotels at fire conferences he so-called attended but was there only to have a sexual affair with the female chief officer from a different fire department in Lee County?
Why didn’t Arfmann learn his lesson the first time in 2013?
Stay tuned for continuing episodes of One Life to Burn.
NOTE: The Lehigh Acres Fire Chief Robert DiLallo would not comment on the article. The State of Florida needs to investigate the Lehigh Acres Fires Dept for the following: deception, breach of trust, infidelity, drunkenness, drugs, motorcycle gang members, and salacious sex between firefighters.
i prefer they screw each other than continue to screw the taxpayer with inflated fd fees
yep
He has no respect for marriage or women. He is only concerned with his pursuit of sex and happiness. What a shame! Third marriage failing? Wow, what a guy. He is better at starting fires than putting them out. This is at a cost of us the tax payers. He does not care and will continue to do the same as long as he is on ANY fire department. Great to have such a leader for our children to see. I pray he does not have kids. Pull your head out stupid and stop playing with peoples lives and monies.