Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Lieutenant Accused of Placing Hidden Cameras in Fire Station Bathrooms
The initial reports of the incident surfaced in April 2023, and over a year later, no charges have been filed.
New Details Emerge in Investigation
Police reports recently obtained by the NBC6 Investigators detail the allegations against Miami-Dade Fire Rescue (MDFR) Lt. Manuel “Manny” Fernandez.
Hidden Cameras Found in Fire Station Bathrooms
In April 2023, NBC6 first told you about a hidden camera discovered inside an employees’ bathroom at MDFR fire station 69 in Doral. A firefighter notified supervisors after a police report said he noticed a “suspicious USB wall charging device,” discovering it was a “covert video recording device.”
Multiple Fire Stations Affected
NBC6 Investigators learned that wasn’t the only fire station where firefighters were being recorded inside a restroom. Police investigators also found videos recorded at MDFR fire station 66 in southwest Miami-Dade inside an individual women’s bathroom with a shower for employees.
Police Identify Suspect
Police say one video shows “a white male wearing a uniform shirt and silver watch on his wrist adjusting the camera.” They used shift records and shipping information from the camera company to identify Lt. Fernandez, according to a police report.
Investigation Stalled
Miami-Dade Police turned their findings over to the State Attorney’s Office. A year since the camera was discovered, a source close to the matter tells NBC6 that the office is actively investigating.
Series of Events
NBC6 contacted the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office (SAO), a spokesperson told us: “as a matter of policy, the SAO would neither confirm nor deny the existence of any ongoing investigation.” NBC6 tried calling and emailing Fernandez but have not heard back.
MFDR’s Response
MDFR put Fernandez on paid administrative duty working from home, writing in a memo the police told them he was “their prime suspect.” On March 14, the department ordered him to report for work at headquarters. According to this memo, Fernandez sent an email saying “I am living 6 hours away from Dade County now, due to current events… I need some time to relocate…” Just days later, Fernandez sent a memo to Chief Jadallah, writing: “due to the nature of my situation, I feel that my resignation would be the best for both sides…”
Conclusion
The investigation into the alleged hidden camera placement remains ongoing. The Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Department has implemented comprehensive security enhancements throughout their facilities, including a newly formed security task force, increased security protocols, and the revision of policies and procedures aimed at ensuring the privacy and safety of their employees.
FAQs
Q: Who is Lt. Manuel “Manny” Fernandez?
A: Lt. Manuel “Manny” Fernandez is a Miami-Dade Fire Rescue (MDFR) lieutenant accused of placing hidden cameras in fire station bathrooms.
Q: How many fire stations were affected?
A: At least two fire stations were affected, MDFR fire station 69 in Doral and MDFR fire station 66 in southwest Miami-Dade.
Q: What is the current status of the investigation?
A: The investigation is ongoing, with the State Attorney’s Office currently reviewing the case.
Q: Is MDFR cooperating with the investigation?
A: Yes, MDFR has been cooperating with the investigation and has implemented comprehensive security enhancements throughout their facilities.
