Former Miramar, Fla., fire chief is accused of spending taxpayer money for personal use

A former South Florida fire chief has been accused of using taxpayer money for personal purchases while on the job.

Former Miramar Fire Chief Robert Palmer’s purchases included $900 in fishing reels, rental slides, a drone and expensive amplifiers, NBC6 reported.

Investigators concluded that Palmer purchased the items using his city-issued purchase card over a five-year period from 2017 until shortly before his retirement in 2022.

After Palmer’s retirement, investigators began examining over 400 purchases made with his P card. As of September 2023, they compiled a list of dozens of items that were “…not consistent with purchases made for the…fire department.” The total value of these items was $35,931.34, according to a police report.

The items ranged from nearly $800 for a welder to golf cart replacement parts to eight tactical gun cases and a $600 ice maker from Best Buy. Police said some of the purchases were delivered to the fire department headquarters and others went to Palmer’s home.

A memo from the Broward State Attorney’s Office’s Public Corruption Unit said the investigation began with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, but “the city of Miramar decided…” that its police department’s internal affairs division would take over the investigation, according to the Station reported

Police inspected several fire stations but were unable to find any of the items listed. Shortly afterward, the sergeant assigned to the case told prosecutors, “His command had asked him to stop the investigation…” one memo said.

Broward prosecutors declined to prosecute, saying they believe “Palmer actually stole approximately $35,931.34 from the city of Miramar.” However, it would be “nearly impossible” to obtain the evidence needed received, which was partly due to delays in reporting and the city’s “disinterest in working with law enforcement.”

The investigative reporter noted that the city gave prosecutors a copy of a check showing that Palmer had repaid the city the amount owed, more than $35,000. The check is dated March 2023. But when NBC6 Investigates asked the city for a copy of the check, they submitted a check dated September 2023, six months later and after prosecutors had closed the case.

At this time, the city has not explained why there are two separate checks or provided documentation showing that either check was cashed.

“When someone takes a position in public office that involves using taxpayer money, they should have a strong sense of decency,” said Joseph DeMaria, a former federal prosecutor who now works as a defense attorney. He was not involved in the investigation.

DeMaria said he believes the city should have recused itself from the investigation. “Do I think it looks good that they basically took it away from the FDLE and brought it into the house?” He asked, “I don’t think that looks good.”