FWC says an arrest could stem from boating accident involving off-duty firefighters

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — A Seminole County dock was just rebuilt after a boat operated by two off-duty firefighters slammed into it on May 6.
 
9 Investigates is looking into allegations someone involved may have been drunk. Investigators confirmed that Steven Stiver, 48, and Brett Leftwich, 48, crashed into the dock on Prairie Lake near Casselberry.
 
9 Investigates learned that a criminal investigation, led by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, is underway and officials said it could result in an arrest.
 
Records showed someone called 911 just before 10 p.m., and notes indicated someone on board the boat was possibly 'signal 2', meaning they were drunk.
 
One of the firefighters was taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center by his own colleagues, but so far neither has been charged with boating under the influence.
 
Leftwich, who's been with the county for 27 years, was accused in 2008 of being drunk and making racial slurs in a hotel lobby. A black Altamonte Springs police officer arrived, and Leftwich was also accused of making the slurs two more times and pushing that officer. The battery charges were later dropped.
 
Fire Department leaders said until an arrest is made from the boating incident, they stands by their employees.
 
Both firefighters have extensive discipline histories. Leftwich has had four verbal warnings, two written warnings and four written reprimands. Stiver has had five verbal warnings, two written warnings and four written reprimands.
 
Channel 9 will update this story as more information becomes available.

For more on this story, contact Karla Ray.

Cox Media Group