Audit Findings – Significant Potential Liability

From the report by the Escambia Clerk of Courts:

We believe the volunteer fire departments are misinterpreting the Firefighter I exemptions granted by the State, and the non-certified volunteers are being allowed in the Exclusionary Zone as defined earlier, which is in violation of State law. We also believe that by allowing these uncertified firefighters in the Exclusionary Zone, that Escambia County has been exposed to significant potential liability. Additionally, this is a significant cause for the overpayment of stipends.”