David Wyatt Released From City Employment.
UPDATE at 5:51 p.m. — See end of report for update from City of Delray Beach.
DELRAY BEACH, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) (Copyright © 2025 MetroDesk Media, LLC) — The City of Delray Beach Thursday announced that it had terminated the employment of the firefighter driving the fire truck involved in December’s train crash that left twelve Brightline passengers and several Delray Beach Fire Rescue professionals injured. The official announcement from Delray Beach, as provided to BocaNewsNow.com:
>> Following an in-depth administrative investigation into the December 28, 2024, collision involving a Delray Beach Fire Rescue vehicle and a Brightline train, the City of Delray Beach has terminated the employment of Driver-Engineer David Wyatt. The decision, made by City Manager Terrence R. Moore, comes after a careful and comprehensive review of the facts, policies, and professional responsibilities that govern public safety operations.
City Manager Moore released the following statement:
“As a dedicated public servant for more than three decades, I hold the public’s trust as paramount. It is with that responsibility in mind I have determined that Driver-Engineer David Wyatt will no longer serve the City of Delray Beach.
The train collision on December 28 was more than a traffic incident. It was a moment that tested the integrity of our public safety systems and shook the confidence of the community we serve. From the outset, I understood the gravity of what occurred—not only in terms of the immediate damage but in how it could undermine our residents’ faith in the men and women entrusted with protecting them.
I believe in fairness, due process, and accountability. And while I acknowledge that everyone is capable of making a mistake, this incident revealed a pattern of carelessness and poor judgment that went beyond an isolated error. These actions—taken by an individual in a public safety position—placed lives at risk, compromised our operational readiness, and violated the principles of professionalism that our residents expect and deserve from public servants.
This is not a decision I take lightly. However, when the conduct of employees fundamentally conflicts with our mission to protect life and property, termination is the appropriate course of action. Our residents must know that Delray Beach will always put public safety first and that we will act decisively when that standard is not met.
Our community deserves the highest standard of care and professionalism, and we are determined to rise to that expectation—not just in words, but in action. Out of this difficult moment, we reaffirm our promise to learn, to lead, and to serve with integrity.”
The City of Delray Beach remains unwavering in its commitment to transparency and accountability. This incident has underscored the critical importance of discipline and leadership in every facet of public service. As we move forward, we are reviewing and strengthening our training protocols, operational procedures, and oversight practices. <<
Witnesses say Wyatt drove around active railroad crossing gates while responding to a call for service. The Brightline train slammed into the firetruck at SE 1st Street and SE 2nd Avenue on December 28th. Read our previous coverage here.
UPDATE FROM CITY OF DELRAY BEACH AT 5:51 p.m. — “Per the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the City of Delray Beach and the Professional Fire Fighters of Delray Beach Local 1842 IAFF, Wyatt has 10 working days from today
to request, in writing, a conference with the City Manager to discuss why, in his opinion, he should not be terminated. If a conference is not requested, the conference is waived and the termination will be effective on Monday, April 28, 2025. Meanwhile, Wyatt will remain on Administrative Leave with Pay pending the resolution of the disciplinary process.”
