Message from the Fire Chief: Having viewed the video that has prompted so many views and comments, I understand the visceral reaction it evokes. The aggressor(s) in the video are unknown to me and...
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Message from the Fire Chief:
Having viewed the video that has prompted so many views and comments, I understand the visceral reaction it evokes. The aggressor(s) in the video are unknown to me and I will reserve my comments regarding their behavior.
What I will comment on is one of the men on that boat is known to me. He is a North Port Firefighter and a celebrated military veteran known for his calm, easygoing demeanor, and his passion for service to his Country and to the citizens of North Port.
The comments I’ve witnessed tonight are in deep contrast to the usual engagement we receive on this page; All submitted without knowing any facts or circumstances before, after, or during this incident that were not captured on the video.
Earlier, we posted that the Fire Department is aware of the incident and will investigate while providing due process and appropriate representation to a valued member of our team. Once the facts are known, we will address appropriately per our policies and standards.
The world I was raised in demanded innocence unless proven guilty. Firefighter Riggs has saved many lives and influenced a positive outcome on many calls in our city, not to mention his sacrifice to fight for our freedom in his military career. We will continue to honor and value his past service to country and his investment in our community as we determine the facts of the case and address them.
I am honored to serve all of you in our community, as I am honored to represent all of those that serve this community. You have all invested your trust in our leadership team at the Fire Department and I would ask that you continue to do so knowing that we will address this situation once we have all of the facts.
Thank you so much for taking the time to digest this information and for trusting us to continue to provide exceptional public safety services in every manner that you have come to expect.
-Fire Chief Scott Titus
johnny riggs is the fire fighter in questions name.