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Several Fire Inspectors Suspected Of Taking Gifts

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By ELLEN GEDALIUS, The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 14, 2007

Updated: 12/14/2007 12:12 am

TAMPA - The city is investigating whether several inspectors in its fire marshal's office improperly accepted gifts to sporting events or other favors.

The investigation has been under way for as long as a year and involves at least three inspectors. Those involved were notified this week, officials said.

The inquiry is in its final stages, Mayor Pam Iorio confirmed on Thursday, and an announcement could be made as early as today or next week.

Until then, Iorio said, she would not elaborate on who was being investigated or for what.

The Tampa Police Department's Criminal Intelligence Bureau is involved in the case, but a police spokeswoman also declined to elaborate.

As of Thursday, all of the involved employees were still employed by the city, Tampa Fire Rescue Capt. Bill Wade said.

Union President Larry Parker said the union was notified of the investigation Tuesday. He said inspectors were questioned with a union representative in the room on Wednesday. He would not confirm any details of the investigation.

Parker said the employees were still working for the city because no official charges have been filed.

"It's just that, it's an investigation," Parker said.

Fourteen inspectors work for the city fire marshal's office, said Wade, a fire department spokesman. Some of them focus on new construction while others focus on existing buildings.

Inspectors ensure that buildings meet fire codes. For example, they determine whether buildings require sprinkler systems. They check that fire exits are well marked and that smoke doors close properly.

When buildings are in the planning stages, inspectors review design plans to make sure exits are well located and that alarm systems are adequate, among other things.

Iorio declined to say whether she could assure the public that buildings that have been inspected are safe until a formal announcement about the case is made.

Wade, however, said "the buildings are safe, and the work is getting done."

Reporter Ellen Gedalius can be reached at (813) 259-7679 or egedalius@tampatrib.com.

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