TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Hernando Today

Fire Commish Cleared Of Wrongdoing

ADVERTISEMENT

By TONY HOLT

Published: June 12, 2008

SPRING HILL - The investigation into whether Rob Giammarco caused havoc at an accident scene has ended.

The fire commissioner did nothing wrong, said Spring Hill Fire Chief Mike Rampino.

He wasn't even there the time a car drove through the landing zone and nearly got in the way of a Bayflite helicopter coming in for a landing, the chief wrote.

"The commissioner had arrived after the helio had landed," Rampino stated. "While attempting to assist the crews and/or evaluate the scene, he encountered a member of the department who was given the direction from his officer to secure the scene. After a brief discussion, the commissioner had complied with the direction given."

Three firefighters at the scene complained Giammarco was in the way and would not comply with demands to move elsewhere.

Michael E. Sellito, Mike Stucchio and Capt. John M. Irons made the allegations.

The motorcycle accident occurred April 30 at the corner of Meredith Drive and Spring Hill Drive.

"Due to the nature of the scene, no one individual had an accurate timeline as it pertained to the chain of events," Rampino wrote.

Giammarco said he is glad the investigation is over, but thinks the firefighters acted unprofessionally.

"I didn't think any of this should've happened in the first place," he said.

Last month, the board voted to allow fire commissioners to respond to accident scenes, but must remain with the public.

Chairman Charles Raborn said the issue was resolved when the aforementioned vote passed. There was no need to punish anyone afterward.

"That fixed the problem," he said. "It happened and now it's over with."

Reporter Tony Holt can be reached at 352-544-5283 or wholt@hernandotoday.com.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT