Summary

Firefighter/Paramedic Jones was the second paramedic on an ALS transport unit that did not respond immediately to a patient who was abusing the 911 system. Although not in charge of the apparatus and unable to make decisions regarding response, the Clearwater Fire Department fired Jones, claiming he should have responded. Responding would have been against the decision of Jones' immediate supervisor and a violation of the Clearwater Fire Department chain of command.

Verdict

The City of Clearwater was ordered to reinstate Jones and reimburse back pay and benefits for the period he was off (over a year).

Total Cost to the Clearwater tax Payer: $72,127.37

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