PALATKA, Fla. -- The skids marks are still visible on State Road 20 near Interlachen. Sheriff Jeff Hardy fired deputies Thomas Burger, who crashed, and Terry Krueger, who is speaking out.
"I was really shocked that I was losing my job over the first occurrence of speeding," Krueger said.
Krueger admits he was going too fast, responding to a noise complaint. But he said his violation, a Standard of Conduct/Integrity, is a Level 2 violation and not a fireable offense.
"All I ask for even in the pre-determination hearing is fair and equal treatment and I was wrongfully terminated," he said.
Plus, Kruger points to an award, saluting him for safe driving. But the sheriff's office said Krueger's violation show gross misconduct.
"That in itself is gross negligence. It did endanger public safety and it raised it to be a gross violation of the standard of conduct," said Hancel Woods of the Putnam County Sheriff's Office.
Krueger brings up another allegation, saying another employee who crashed was not treated as harshly. He revealed a November crash involving Major Gary Bowling.
In that crash, a report states Bowling admitted to being distracted before hitting a tree. No one else was involved. The county-owned truck he was driving was totaled and he had to pay a $250 deductible.
Krueger did not crash and there was no damage to his car.
"It wasn't treated any differently. Major Bowling did have a crash in November. The crash was investigated by the Florida Highway Patrol. He was given a blood test at Shands Gainesville. It was negative," Woods said.
Now, Krueger said he will probably take the issue up in court.
First Coast News