A probe into CCFD that started in May is reportedly finished but results are being kept under wraps

CATHEDRAL CITY — Results of an investigation into allegations of “corrupt unethical behavior,” sexual misconduct, manipulation of test scores on a fire captain’s exam, interference in disciplinary actions, and more at the Fire Department here will not be made public, according to City Manager Charlie McClendon.

An outside investigator, who is skilled in fire department matters, was hired to conduct the investigation, McClendon said.  Garon Wyatt of the Riverside-based Garon Wyatt Investigative Services was the investigator. The investigation started immediately after members of the City Council on May 3 received an anonymous email outlining the allegations.

The email was signed, “Every Concerned Cathedral City Professional Firefighter.”

After Uken Report filed a Public Records Request for a copy of the findings, McClendon stated in an email that, “While any records or documents that exist would be public records, as you know, some public records are exempt from disclosure. Here the investigation involved personnel matters and therefore, are exempt pursuant to Government Code Sections 6254(c) and (k). To that end, the City will not be disclosing these documents.”

Corey Goddard, a captain for the Cathedral City Fire Department and president of the Cathedral City Professional Firefighters Association (CCPFA), told Uken Report in June that he was aware of the email correspondence sent to the City Council and was among those who received it initially. Goddard said at the time he went directly to the CCPFA’s attorney.

He also said then that “The Association itself has no knowledge of those things. The CCPFA currently has 37 members.

Goddard declined to comment on the results of the probe into CCFD.

The bulk of the complaints alleged in the anonymous email centered on a single battalion chief and an engineer-turned captain.

 

 

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