Investigation: Delray Beach Employees Drove Without Valid Licenses, But No ‘Malicious’ Intent

The scene of a colission involving a Brightline train and a Delray Beach Fire-Rescue truck, Dec. 28, 2024. (Photo: Boca Daily News)

Delray Beach city officials have released the results of a report that probed whether the operators of emergency vehicles were properly licensed in the wake of a high-profile crash between a city fire truck and a Brightline high-speed passenger train in December.

The investigation, conducted by Tampa law firm Johnson Jackson PLLC, found “gaps in administrative oversight” led to Fire-Rescue driving city-owned vehicles without being properly licensed, but “did not find evidence of willful, wanton, or malicious intent by any personnel to violate City or Fire Rescue policies.”

As a result, Delray Beach Fire Rescue Division Chief Todd Lynch will be reinstated following a suspension, but to the position of Battalion Chief. His reinstatement is to occur within 45 days. The change in job titles was not “punitive,” a statement from the city said, but “honors a prior request made before the investigation commenced.”

The crash between the fire truck and train occurred Dec. 28, 2024 at 10:44 a.m. The fire engine was traveling eastbound on S.E. 1st Street to a house fire on the opposite side of the tracks which carry Brightline and freight trains.

The driver of the fire truck involved in the Brightline crash, David Wyatt, has been issued a traffic citation for driving around a closed railroad crossing, but departmental disciplinary action will be deferred until the conclusion of a separate administrative investigation into the crash as a whole.

The report also focused on firefighter Calvin Smith.

“Although he operated department apparatus without a valid license for an extended period, the investigation found that he took immediate corrective action upon discovering the issue,” the city’s statement said.

Kevin Green, another subject of the investigation, retired from the department as of Tuesday. No further details were immediately released on the findings pertaining to Green.

The scene of a colission involving a Brightline train and a Delray Beach Fire-Rescue truck, Dec. 28, 2024. (Photo: Boca Daily News)

The scene of a colission involving a Brightline train and a Delray Beach Fire-Rescue truck, Dec. 28, 2024. (Photo: Boca Daily News)

The scene of a colission involving a Brightline train and a Delray Beach Fire-Rescue truck, Dec. 28, 2024. (Photo: Boca Daily News)

Other employees of the Fire-Rescue service “demonstrated a clear intent to comply with city policy as soon as they became aware of their driver’s license status.”

“The safety of our residents and the integrity of our Fire Rescue operations are top priorities,” said City Manager Terrence Moore. “While this investigation identified areas where administrative processes could be improved, it also reaffirmed that our personnel acted in good faith. Moving forward, we will take proactive steps to strengthen our policies and oversight to prevent similar issues in the future.”

Moore pledged to “review and strengthen administrative processes to prevent future occurrences,” though the statement from city officials did not note what those processes or checks would be.