9 Investigates: Alleged Ocoee Fire Department cover-up

OCOEE, Fla. — 9 Investigates looks into an alleged cover-up at the Ocoee Fire Department.

WFTV reporter Kenneth Craig broke the story in July when the fire chief was accused of covering up an accident that left a new recruit injured.

Monday, Craig was the only reporter to find out why the State Attorney's Office will not be filing any charges.

For the better part of the year, independent investigators, the city's police department and state prosecutors have been trying to figure out what happened during the fire training exercise in April.

Chief Pete McNeil has denied he did anything wrong.

"There is no way in this world that I would end my career on a note for covering up for anybody," said McNeil.

But an initial investigation that called for his termination and a second probe by police found a crime was committed and that the webbing was cut after the fall to cover up for Lt. Corey Bowles' poor supervision.

But Bowles refused to be interviewed and authorities couldn't say for sure who cut the rope.

On Friday, prosecutors decided they did not have enough evidence to file charges against the chief.

Craig went over the findings with Ocoee Mayor Scott Vandergrift, who said he's left with more questions than answers.

Vandergrift said it's questionable.

In an email, the chief said the ordeal has been tough and he just wants to put it behind him.

WFTV