A former employee with Iowa’s Fire Training Safety Bureau (FTSB) is facing charges after investigators say he improperly issued more than 22-hundred (2,200) fire safety certifications. John McPhee, who worked as the FTSB Certification and Accreditation Coordinator, had been placed on paid administrative leave in April. Kyle Gorsh, State Fire Marshal Special Agent in charge, says he’s not sure why McPhee allegedly issued false certifications over a four year period.
Randal Novak, former chief for the state Fire Training Services Bureau, was also placed on paid administrative leave in April. He retired about a month later after 15 years in the position. Novak is NOT facing charges.
The improper certifications were issued to 1,706 firefighters and emergency personnel across Iowa between February 2012 and February 2016.
