Late last night we received notification from the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office that three former Hernando Beach Volunteer Fire Department Fire Chiefs were arrested. They include the current City of Brooksville Fire Chief David Freda, the current City of Brooksville Fire Captain David Murdock and Travis Morris, a current FEMA employee.
Their arrests stem from a 7 month long investigation of the volunteer department’s misappropriation of funds. The investigation in cooperation with the State Attorney’s Office began just as the Hernando Beach Volunteer Fire Department was dissolved ( February 14, 2017).
Lack of financial audits detailing expenditures was one reason the county cited for terminating the department. The county had requested these auditing documents for a period of two years. Several other safety related reasons were given such as inconsistent dispatch procedures and the lack of advanced life support services.
Since 2016, the volunteer department had three changes in fire chiefs. Currently Hernando County Fire Rescue serves Hernando Beach.
The report released from the Sheriff’s Office states,
“Today, detectives effected arrest warrants on the following three former Hernando Beach Volunteer Fire Chiefs.
Current City of Brooksville Fire Chief and former HBVFD Chief David Freda W/M was arrested at 10:30 p.m. at the 7-11 at County Line Road and US 19 as a result of a traffic stop.
Current City of Brooksville Fire Captain and former HBVFD Chief David Murdock W/M was arrested from his secondary place of employment, Bayfront Health Dade City.
Current FEMA employee and former HBVFD Chief Travis Morris W/M was arrested from the Hernando County Emergency Operations Center.
Charges are as follows:
– David Freda
– Organized Fraud More than $50,000 (1st Degree Felony)
– Bond – $25,000
– David Murdock
– Organized Fraud More than $50,000 (1st Degree Felony)
– Bond – $25,000
– Travis Morris
– Organized Fraud More than $20,000 (2nd Degree Felony)
– Bond – $15,000.”