You Tube upload / CBS Local News video / A Central Florida firefighter is under investigation for taking part in Wednesday's riot at the US Capitol.
By HENRY FREDERICK / Headline Surfer
SANFORD, Fla. -- Andrew Williams, the Sanford firefighter shown in a pic and raw videos actively participating in the deadly pro-Trump riot at the Capitol building has been suspended from his job while the city investigates his role in the carnage, but continues to receive a paycheck close to $900 a week.
Williams, who has been a firefighter/paramedic for four years, has been on paid administrative leave since Thursday - one day after the riot that caused five deaths, including the murder of a Capitol Police officer.
Unlike dozens of other participants in the brazen attack across the country who have been fired by employers, Williams has not been arrested and charged by the feds, at least not yet. And Williams has union protection afforded rank and file employees in the Sanford Fire Department.
Unlike dozens of other participants in the brazen attack across the country who have been fired by employers, Andrew Williams, paid $45,676 annually as a Sanford firefighter/paramedic, has not been arrested and charged by the feds, at least not yet (though his involvement in the pro-Trump riot on Capitol Hill is chronicled in images and raw video). And Williams has union protection afforded rank and file employees in the Sanford Fire Department.
The SFD posted an acknowlegment of William's status on Thusday afternoon, stating in part it is "aware of the situation involving Sanford Firefighter/Paramedic Andrew Williams. At this time, we are following the investigative process."
The SFD social media post adds: The administrative investigation will look into all aspects of the nature of the photograph and will address any City policy and/or law violations that could possibly arise throughout the investigation. Firefighter/Paramedic Williams has been placed on administrative leave until the investigation is complete."
What the posting fails to acknowlege is that Williams is receiving his full pay while on administrative lead. But Sanford Fire Chief Craig Radzak said Williams was notified on Thursday while traveling back from Washington DC that he’s been placed on administrative leave with pay.
The SFD's Facebook posting has drawn more than 600 comments, the vast majority critical that Williams remains employed and being paid.
"Fire this terrorist now!" demanded Jean Jenner, a resident of Ormond Beach in neighboring Volusia County.
"A police officer died in the failed coup your firefighter participated in!!!" Kim Morgan said. "Fire him now!!! "He should be arrested and charged with treason!!!"
Henry Frederick is publisher of Headline Surfer, the award-winning 24/7 internet news outlet launched 12 years ago that serves greater Daytona Beach, Sanford & Orlando, Florida via HeadlineSurfer.com. Frederick has amassed more than a hundred journalism industry awards in print & online -- more than all other members of the working press combined in Central Florida since the mid-1990s. He earned his Master of Arts in New Media Journalism with academic honors from Full Sail University in 2019. Having witnessed the execution of serial killer Aileen Wuornos in Florida's death chamber and other high profile cases, Frederick has appeared on national crime documentary programs on Discovery ID and Reelz for his investigative reporting and cops & courts breaking news stories. Award-Winning Journalism of Henry Frederick.