911 Center Manager Demoted

There’s a very confusing situation in Pasco County (Fla.), where several incidents have drawn the spotlight of the local and national press lately, and now there’s a question about the education credentials and job status of comm center manager Thomas O’Brien. TV station WTSP found that O’Brien’s original application for the job back in June 2006 listed a bachelor and master’s degree from Almeda University. However, the station reports that the university is a “life experience degree program” company which is not accredited in Florida. Most recently, WTSP learned that O’Brien has been demoted, but is still receiving his $42,000 a year salary. His actual position only pays $30,000 a year. But oddly Pasco Fire Chief Anthony Lopinto claims O’Brien wasn’t demoted. The station continues to follow the story.