
The following message, posted Jan. 3 on Delray Beach Fire Rescue’s Facebook page, is from Delray Beach Fire Chief Ronald Martin in regards to the Dec. 28 incident when a Brightline train collided with one of the department’s ladder trucks.
“As Fire Chief, my top priority is the safety of our community and the well-being of the brave men and women who serve it.
“Effective immediately, Assistant Chief Kevin Green, Division Chief Todd Lynch, Captain Brian Fiorey, and Driver Engineer David Wyatt have been placed on administrative leave with pay, pending the results of an internal administrative investigation to determine if City and Fire Rescue policies and procedures were followed.
“This action is consistent with City policy and a procedural step as we review the facts. The administrative investigation is necessary to ensure accountability and uphold the trust of our community.
“The Delray Beach Fire Rescue Department is committed to transparency, professionalism, and the highest standards of public service. We will continue to cooperate fully with all investigative processes and remain dedicated to the safety and well-being of both our community and our firefighters.
“All public safety agencies carry an immense responsibility. I remain fully committed to learning from this incident, strengthening our procedures, and ensuring our firefighters have the training and resources needed to protect Delray Beach safely and effectively.
“This is the time to examine where we might have fallen short in the past and make the tough decisions needed to ensure we don’t continue to do so. I am committed to implementing meaningful changes to strengthen our operations and taking the necessary steps to uphold the integrity of our department.
“I appreciate the community’s patience and understanding as we conduct this review and make the changes that will improve the service we provide to the community.”