![\"\"](\"http:\/\/thelehighacresgazette.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/Fire-Chief-Caniates-photo-at-Lehigh-300x189.jpg\" "\\"Fire")
Lehigh Acres Fire Commission is searching for its next fire chief, but the final four candidates’ past are causing major concern and heartburn for the Fire Commission.<\/p>\nLehigh Acres Fire Commission is searching for its next fire chief, but the final four candidates’ past are causing major concern and heartburn for the Fire Commission.<\/p>\n
All four candidates that was chosen by the fire board special review board have been fire chiefs elsewhere but have all been fired or forced to resign, Why?<\/p>\n
During the review process this special board made up of two union reps, two local SW Florida fire chiefs, Lehigh Acres Chamber board member, local business leader and a local pastor interviewed 10 candidates\u2019 without seeing their candidates resumes and only could asking canned straight forward questions from the consultant to the candidates.<\/p>\n
After two days the special board choose the following four men to present to the fire commissioners without knowing the truth about their past.<\/p>\n
Michael Choate was fired for sexting on the job on a company phone when he worked in Polk County.<\/p>\n
Steve Paulsell was forced to resign from his Columbia, Missouri job. According to a local news affiliate, Paulsell was criticized most for promoting his then-girlfriend with a with a hefty salary.<\/p>\n
James Tobin was fire chief in North Naples until he was forced to resign. Union members in his district accused him of poor leadership. He was also accused of spending taxpayer-funded credit cards at various stores, restaurants, and hotels.<\/p>\n
After that, he became a fire chief in New Mexico where he was forced out because of a hazing incident.<\/p>\n
Steve McInerny was removed from his position in 2016 by the city manager after seven years as the Naples fire chief. In October, union members said he misled the public and exaggerated the department’s needs.<\/p>\n