A Florida firefighter, previously arrested in 2007 for setting a fire at a women’s club, was hired by Lake County Fire
Rescue despite his expunged criminal record. Background checks, including those by the Florida Department of Law
Enforcement, showed no criminal history. However, his Polk County personnel file revealed prior disciplinary issues
and a recommendation for termination in 2014. Lake County officials stated they typically conduct reference checks
only with recent employers, not reviewing full personnel files.
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