Muncie says only individual firefighters are being investigated for cheating. But that’s not what the state says

The city of Muncie says while several paramedics and firefighters are being investigated for possibly cheating on certification exams, the department itself isn’t under investigation.  But that conflicts with what state officials have told Indiana reporters.

WTHR-TV reported there are three separate investigations of Muncie firefighters and EMTs, all accused of being provided actual certification exam questions and answers in order to cheat on that exam.  Unnamed firefighters told the Indianapolis TV station that the cheating was well-known about in the department.

In a statement Thursday, the Muncie mayor’s office says “The Muncie Fire Department has not received any kind of notice that the Department itself is under investigation.”  It says the inquiries are focused only on individual employees.

That conflicts with an interview Indiana State EMS Director Kraig Kinney gave to WTHR.  His Office is under the Indiana Department of Homeland Security.  Kinney said “We are investigating both individuals and the department as a whole.”

Muncie officials say fire chief Robert Mead has ordered all employees to cooperate fully with the investigations.

Here is the city of Muncie’s statement in full:

“The Muncie Fire Department was informed that some individual Muncie Firefighters are under investigation regarding personal conduct that occurred without the knowledge or permission of the Muncie Fire Department or the City of Muncie. Chief Mead immediately instructed all employees to cooperate fully with the investigation. The Muncie Fire Department has not received any kind of notice that the Department itself is under investigation. Because these allegations against individual employees are currently under investigation, the Muncie Fire Department and the City of Muncie have no further comment at this time, on the advice of legal counsel.”