Item R1 Liz Yongue
From: Gomez-Krystal <Gomez-Krystal@MonroeCounty-FL.Gov>
Sent: Wednesday, August 14, 2024 4:29 PM
To: Ballard-Lindsey; County Commissioners and Aides; Kevin Madok; Pamela G. Hancock;
Senior Management Team and Aides; Liz Yongue; InternalAudit; Hunt-Kacey
Cc: Gastesi-Roman; Shillinger-Bob; Williams-Jethon; Cioffari-Cheryl; Livengood-Kristen;
Rubio-Suzanne; Pam Radloff; County-Attorney; Allen-John; Danise Henriquez; Hurley-
Christine; Rosch-Mark; Gambuzza-Dina; Beyers-John; InternalAudit; Valcheva-Svilena
Subject: Add On item R1 BOCC 08/21/2024
Attachments: R1 ITEM 2888.pdf
Good afternoon,
Please be advised,the following Add On Item is set for inclusion day-of meeting prior to the approval of the Agenda:
"COMMISSIONER CATES: Discussion regarding the Monroe County Grand Jury's ongoing investigation into
Monroe County Fire Rescue and the Trauma Star program and direction on whether the Board should retain
an outside firm to conduct an independent investigation of this matter. "
The Agenda Item Summary is attached.Once approved,this will be considered Add On Item R1.
Sincerely,
Executive Administrator
Monroe County Administrator's Office
1100 Simonton Street, Suite 2-205
Key West, FL 33040
(305)292-4441 (Office)
(305)850-8694(Cell)
Courier Stop#1
Notary Public
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BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
COUNTY of MONROE i Mayor Holly Merrill Raschein,District 5
The Florida Keys Mayor Pro Tern James K.Scholl,District 3
Craig Cates,District 1
Michelle Lincoln,District 2
' David Rice,District 4
Board of County Commissioners Meeting
August 21, 2024
Agenda Item Number:
2023-2888
BULK ITEM: No DEPARTMENT: District 1
TIME APPROXIMATE: STAFF CONTACT: Amanda Leggett
n/a
AGENDA ITEM WORDING: COMMISSIONER CATES: Discussion regarding the Monroe
County Grand Jury's ongoing investigation into Monroe County Fire Rescue and the Trauma Star
program and direction on whether the Board should retain an outside firm to conduct an independent
investigation of this matter.
ITEM BACKGROUND:
On August 8, 2024, the Monroe County Grand Jury indicated Monroe County Fire Rescue Medical
Director Dr. Sandra Schwemmer and EMS and Trauma Division Chief Andrea Thompson for their
alleged conduct related to the arrest in 2022 of former Flight Nurse Lynda Rusinowski on drug and theft
related charges. Rusinowski was indicted on additional charges on August 2, 2024.
Some have questioned the County's handling of this matter starting in 2022. Hiring an outside
investigator would assist the Board in gaining a better understanding of the situation. The Board has
hired outside investigators in the past, most recently with respect to the Tourist Development Council.
PREVIOUS RELEVANT BOCC ACTION:
None
INSURANCE REQUIRED:
No
CONTRACT/AGREEMENT CHANGES:
N/A
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Retain an outside firm to investigate the County's handling of this
matter.
DOCUMENTATION:
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FINANCIAL IMPACT:
To be determined
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