ST. LUCIE COUNTY, Fla. (CBS12) — One day after the St. Lucie County Fire District Board voted to fire Chief Jeff Lee, the district’s new interim leader is speaking exclusively to CBS12 News about his plans to rebuild trust, review controversial personnel decisions and move the department forward.
Interim Fire Chief Paul Langel, a nearly 30-year veteran of the district, said Thursday that restoring transparency, improving labor relations and reviewing past investigations will be among his first priorities.
“I feel honored, and I feel excited for the future that we’re going to have. We want to get this organization moving forward in a positive light, and that’s not about any one person. That’s about us as an organization,” Langel told CBS12 News.
The leadership change comes after months of controversy surrounding a hazing investigation that resulted in the termination of three veteran firefighters and the suspension of two others.
The Fire District Board voted Wednesday to terminate Lee without cause following a lengthy meeting attended by firefighters, union members, retirees and concerned residents. The board then voted 4-3 to appoint Langel as interim chief.
New interim chief plans to review firefighter terminations
One of the biggest questions facing Langel is whether the three terminated firefighters could eventually return to their jobs.
The controversy began after videos from 2024 surfaced showing senior firefighters using a modified bug zapper to shock newer firefighters while on duty.
District investigators determined the incidents amounted to hazing, while the firefighters and their union maintained the behavior was consensual horseplay. A Fort Pierce Police Department investigation found no criminal violations.
The firefighters’ union, IAFF Local 1377, is pursuing arbitration to have the three firefighters reinstated.
Langel said he plans to review the investigation and previous personnel decisions before determining what action, if any, should be taken.
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“I’ve got to get up to speed. I wasn’t involved in a lot of that decision-making process, and so my first priority is to evaluate where are we at in that process, where are we at in the arbitration process, what specifics are there to this case, and what current specifics continue to come in on the case, so evaluation is going to be the top priority. And then, once evaluated, move forward appropriately,” Langel said.
When asked whether the three firefighters could be reinstated, Langel said there are options available.
“Ultimately, there’s a process where that can take place, whether it’s through arbitration or whether it’s through the means of negotiation and ongoing talks between the administration and the union.”
Rebuilding trust and transparency
The controversy also led to a union no-confidence vote in Lee’s leadership.
According to the union, 423 of its 517 dues-paying members participated, with 74.23% of those voting expressing no confidence in Lee.
Despite the controversy, Langel acknowledged Lee’s contributions to the district, including expanding staffing and building new fire stations.
“I’ve worked with Chief Lee for 25 plus years, and Chief Lee did a lot of positive for this district. We just built three fire stations in the last 14 months. I believe Chief Lee hired more people than anyone as fire chief ever has at this district, so there is a lot of positivity that Chief Lee brought to this organization. So, it’s not my job to downplay any of that, and also not my place to speak on that. But from a personal standpoint, Chief Lee did a very good job for this organization, and now it’s our job to move forward with it and go to that next level,” Langel said.
After Jeff Lee’s removal, SLC interim fire chief, Paul Langel weighs in on department’s future. (SLCFD)
Langel emphasized that his focus now is moving the department forward, rather than revisiting disagreements over Lee’s leadership.
“Moving forward, I’m going to go ahead and do an evaluation. I want to bring back some transparency to the organization. Labor relations is a top priority, and also to evaluate all of the past personnel decisions that were made, and once evaluated, put proper procedures and policies in place to move forward.”
He said that transparency must extend beyond district employees to the community they serve, including improving access to district leadership and public records.
Langel also wants firefighters to become more involved in community events, school activities and charitable initiatives to help restore public confidence.
What’s next for the fire district?
Langel, who joined the district in April 1997, has held numerous positions, including firefighter, lieutenant, captain, fire marshal and deputy fire chief.
He said he is prepared to lead the district during the transition and would consider becoming its permanent chief, if chosen for the honor.
When asked directly whether he would want the permanent position, Langel responded:
“If so, of the board’s will to have me serve in that role, absolutely, because I love this district. 30 plus years, I’m born and raised in Fort Pierce, and I love this place, and I just want to do what’s right.”
The seven-member Fire District Board will ultimately decide who becomes the next permanent chief.
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Meanwhile, the district must also determine the financial implications of Lee’s termination. Because Lee was fired without cause, his departure triggers severance provisions outlined in his contract. Board member James Clasby said Wednesday that the final cost has not yet been determined. The board is also moving forward with outside legal counsel as it addresses ongoing disputes and plans for new leadership.
For Langel, the immediate focus remains restoring confidence in the district and moving forward.
“But it’s business as usual. Let’s get back to work. Let’s get this ship righted. Let’s get moving forward to serve the citizens of St. Lucie County,” Langel said.