Accusations Of Special Job Treatment For OC Mayor's Son Sparks Controversy

GARDEN GROVE (CBSLA.com) — The 37-year-old son of Mayor Bruce Broadwater has kept his job on the Fire Department despite an alleged string of safety violations.

Jeremy Broadwater was hired by the Garden Grove Fire Department in 2013 undeterred by his criminal record, raising recent controversy over the idea of him receiving special treatment.

KCAL9's Stacey Butler spoke Monday with Tony Flores, a concerned activist demanding to know why Broadwater is still employed with the Fire Department.

According to officials, Broadwater has been reportedly reprimanded for inappropriate actions, yet not fired from the department.

"Nepotism appears to be prevalent in City Hall," said Flores. "Now that he's here, apparently there's an arrogance there. He's there, he's the mayor's son, he's untouchable."

In documents obtained by the Orange County Register, Broadwater is described as giving incorrect vitals and making numbers up while at work.

A captain even referred to Broadwater as a "beginner" and said that his performance is "life-threatening," the Register reported Saturday.

Butler spoke with Garden Grove Councilman Kris Beard to determine what legal actions have been taken toward the mayor's son.

Beard said the city has hired a firm to conduct an independent third-party review in response to the recent controversy.

"We need, as policymakers, to look and see what the implications are for the entire city," said Beard.

Butler reached out to Mayor Bruce Broadwater at both City Hall and his home but was unable to reach him for a comment. The city manager declined to return Butler's phone calls.

According to Beard, Broadwater had an exemplary record while he was employed as a Garden Grove park ranger for six years.