The Village Fire Chief arrested for child abuse

[Cisco Kid]

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Fire Chief of Villages arrested on charge of child abuse
January 16, 2014 By Meta Minton 2 Comments

Mike Tucker
Villages Fire Chief Mike Tucker has been arrested on a charge of child abuse.
He has been with the Villages Public Safety Department for more than a decade.
He was arrested by Sumter County sheriff’s deputies late Thursday afternoon.
Tucker was the Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association chief of the year in 2011.
He has been a member of the fire service for 28 years. He is a certified paramedic and a graduate of the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer Program. Tucker earned an Associates Degree in Fire Science from Lake-Sumter Community College, a Bachelors Degree in Business Management from the University of Phoenix, and a Masters Degree in Public Administration from Florida Gulf Coast University.
Filed Under: News

[kittygilchrist]

What is the source of this story?
nevermind...I found it: **************

comment...innocent until proven guilty...

[skip0358]

What is the source of this story?
nevermind...I found it: **************

comment...innocent until proven guilty...

Exactly lets not bash the guy, we don't even know the whole story.

[Cisco Kid]

villages news .com

the link can not be posted her

[Madelaine Amee]

Exactly lets not bash the guy, we don't even know the whole story.

Yes, agree. Wait for the full story before blowing this out of proportion. He wrote the editorial in this week's Rec News and he mentioned having four teenaged sons - if my memory serves me, that would test the patience of Job!

Don't crucify the guy on this site before the full story is known!

[Cisco Kid]

I have yet to see a bash..

Mine was a repost.

[justjim]

Too early ---not enough information. It's a sad situation REGARDLESS innocent or guilty outcome.

[Suzi]

......until you walk in someone elses shoes.........

[mrsanborn]

He made the 11PM news (Orlando local CBS affiliate) last night. He was being held without bond.

[Barefoot]

He made the 11PM news (Orlando local CBS affiliate) last night. He was being held without bond.

Imagine what Mike Tucker's family is going through, whether the charges are true or false. My heart goes out to his wife and children.

[circletrack]

It was also on the front page of the Sun today.

Being just 1 count against him, I say let's wait to hear his side, too. He's done so much good for this this area that I'll give him the benefit of the doubt, but if he's truly guilty, then that's a shame.

[SteveBressi]

Once the details come out - we can determine who needs to go. The fire chief or the sheriff. If it is a simple case of whopping a kid then the sheriff needs to go. If it is something more, than the fire chief needs to go. In any case, the Morse publicity machine can't be happy.

[jet10s]

My Heart Goes Out To Chief Mike Tucker And His Family, He Has Brought The Villages Public Safety Department Into The 21st Century Model Envied By Many, He Is Professional, Polished, Classy, Innovative And Inspirational And We Should NOT Pass Judgement On This Man Until We Know ALL The Details !!!!!! FYI, If The Morse Publicity Team Didn't Want This On The Front Page Of The Paper, We Wouldn't Be Talking About This Today Folks !!!!!!
__________________

[blueash]

I hope to see these same innocent until proven guilty comments on every thread about someone who has been arrested. And IMO no matter what the final outcome, the sheriff does not "need to go" if this is "nothing more than whopping a kid" The sheriff does his or her job by making arrests when there is cause, the judicial system will take it from here. If there is an accusation it becomes the obligation of the police to investigate and if appropriate arrest. If the arrest was inappropriate then the accused has access to that same judicial system for relief. It's the system we have, and it usually works well at least for non-poor people. And "whopping a kid" is a crime as it should be.
Florida chapter 39
Abuse” means any willful act or threatened act that results in any physical, mental, or sexual abuse, injury, or harm that causes or is likely to cause the child’s physical, mental, or emotional health to be significantly impaired. Abuse of a child includes acts or omissions. Corporal discipline of a child by a parent or legal custodian for disciplinary purposes does not in itself constitute abuse when it does not result in harm to the child.

The law goes on to define "harm" and if you wish to understand the severity of what has to allegedly happen before a charge can be made I would strongly encourage you to read the things that are listed as covered.
Statutes & Constitution :View Statutes : Online Sunshine (http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0000-0099/0039/Sections/0039.01.html)

[Bogie Shooter]

A little more info. Channel 9 out of Orlando noon news. Fire chief got in an argument with someone, which escalated to an altercation. No information on the other individual was given. Chief has a hearing with a judge this afternoon. The reporter said more information at 4PM

From the Daily Commercial
Millard K. Ives | Staff Writer millardives@dailycommercial.com | 0 comments




Fire Chief Mike Tucker of the District Public Safety Department in The Villages was arrested Thursday on child abuse charges.

He is being held in the Sumter County jail without bail and was scheduled to make his first appearance on the charges this morning in the Sumter County courthouse.

According to a heavily redacted arrest affidavit, Tucker was arguing with a child and allegedly stuck him, knocking him off a bar stool. Tucker then allegedly jumped on the child, pinning the child to the ground with his knee, and started beating him.

Tucker then allegedly dragged the child into the front yard and continued beating him, including hitting his head against a gate.

The fire chief told officials "we were tussling pretty good."

The affidavit said authorities became involved after a student at the child’s school was made aware of bruises to the victim’s shoulder, ribs, back, neck and head.

According to Lt. Bobby Caruthers, a spokesman for the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred Wednesday. The allegations were reported to the sheriff’s office on Thursday and, after an interview with detectives at a sheriff’s substation, Tucker was arrested.

Tucker has been employed with the District Public Safety Office since 2011 and received the 2011 Florida Fire Chief of the Year award recognition at the Florida Fire Chief’s Conference in Marco Island.

[kittygilchrist]

Sadly the genie is out of the bottle re: reputation and I'm sorry for that.
I was an expert witness in several counties in CAN (Child abuse and Neglect).
What we know about this case is...almost nothing.

We know the SO thought an arrest should be made, and possibly the SAO (state atty) was consulted with evidence prior to the arrest given recognizance of the alleged abuser.

That said, I've seen, as have we all, every sort of manipulation of so-called truth to the point that I am so cynical that my motto is "Justice is a joke and the truth is a lie"...(not counting The Truth and the Way)
I wish it were otherwise, but I think one is just as likely to be falsely accused as to get away with murder. Happens all the time.

[jhrc4]

A lot of sympathy for the Fire Chief ( Adult ) grown man. More sympathy for the Chiefs family...how about the " Alleged " Victim. Where is the feeling for him.
What goes on behind closed doors, lot's of movies, TV shows, and it is usually " He " was the nicest, kind, gentile, would do anything for you, the " Pillar " of the community, and then the shoe drops along with the jaws. Held without bond should tell you there is more to this. Skip the feel sorry for the Chief until we get the scoop. We'll see how long " Alleged " last's. Keep in mind...Grown Man vs Child !! " We Were Tussling Pretty Good ", so said the arrested person, and extent of injuries to the victim came from more than a " Tussle " . Big Brave Adult , not so big and brave sitting in a jail cell.

[justjim]

Wow! Fire Chief has a temper and this time it has got him in some real trouble. Teenage kids, especially boys, can make you "lose it"----question, did the chief "cross the line"? From the newspaper account it appears he could have.

The abuse laws are so written that it is almost impossible to discipline your children these days. That said, there are good reasons for them and there is a difference between discipline and "beating" your kids. No matter what the kid said or did----there was a better way to handle the situation.

[tucson]

A lot of sympathy for the Fire Chief ( Adult ) grown man. More sympathy for the Chiefs family...how about the " Alleged " Victim. Where is the feeling for him.
What goes on behind closed doors, lot's of movies, TV shows, and it is usually " He " was the nicest, kind, gentile, would do anything for you, the " Pillar " of the community, and then the shoe drops along with the jaws. Held without bond should tell you there is more to this. Skip the feel sorry for the Chief until we get the scoop. We'll see how long " Alleged " last's. Keep in mind...Grown Man vs Child !! " We Were Tussling Pretty Good ", so said the arrested person, and extent of injuries to the victim came from more than a " Tussle " . Big Brave Adult , not so big and brave sitting in a jail cell.

Agree totally with you... it's unbelievable (no, believable, ;-) that when a person who has a "Title" before their name is arrested w/charges like this, some ppl will always say the same sentiments re;what I've been reading here on TOTV. If it was a so-called "low-life" they'd be automatically labelled guilty. I do not "feel sorry' for anyone committing any crime against any person. The red flag to me was when I read in the papers "held without bond"... that tells me that the dude is dangerous....

[Dick and Lin]

I had a lawyer friend who slapped his daughter for missbehaving and she called 911. He now has a felony conviction on his record and is on probation.

[Skybo]

The red flag to me was when I read in the papers "held without bond"... that tells me that the dude is dangerous....

According to The Villages news, he was released this afternoon on $5,000 bond. The original news article probably should have said "held pending a bond hearing", not "held without bond".

[rubicon]

If it is true that this guy has a bad temper than one has to wonder how he made it all the way to Fire Chief. If it is true then he ought not to be leading people given the fact that his failure to control his temper created such a breach in sound judgment Could you imagine a cop with a temper like that

The chief's action may be a basis for a lawsuit which isn't going to be a good thing for any of us

[Bogie Shooter]

If it is true that this guy has a bad temper than one has to wonder how he made it all the way to Fire Chief. If it is true then he ought not to be leading people given the fact that his failure to control his temper created such a breach in sound judgment Could you imagine a cop with a temper like that

The chief's action may be a basis for a lawsuit which isn't going to be a good thing for any of us

Yes, he shot a guy over texting just this week!

[duffysmom]

I had a lawyer friend who slapped his daughter for missbehaving and she called 911. He now has a felony conviction on his record and is on probation.

I don't have a problem with that.....

[BobnBev]

I don't have a problem with that.....

I sure don't either. Some of the kids I see need more than a good
slap. Maybe a good size 12 boot in the......well, you get the idea.

[gjbl8114]

So what!!!! These days you can't discipline your children without someone threatening you with child abuse.... You will note that the son didn't do the reporting of the incident. That probably says it all.... Give the guy a break. Regardless of the whole story, it's embarrasing enough for the family, give it a break folks......

[Steve & Deanna]

How old was 'this child' again? I must have missed the child's age somehow.

[Vernster]

So what!!!! These days you can't discipline your children without someone threatening you with child abuse.... You will note that the son didn't do the reporting of the incident. That probably says it all.... Give the guy a break. Regardless of the whole story, it's embarrasing enough for the family, give it a break folks......

The "child" was probably afraid to say anything; just as abused wives are afraid to speak out.

[duffysmom]

I sure don't either. Some of the kids I see need more than a good
slap. Maybe a good size 12 boot in the......well, you get the idea.

You misunderstood what I said. I don't have a problem with the fact the father who "slapped" his daughter is now a felon. I'm sure there is a lot more to that story.

[tucson]

The "child" was probably afraid to say anything; just as abused wives are afraid to speak out.

That's it right there Vernster, the child and/or abused wives are afraid to say anything...so the abuse goes on & on until someone gets killed or so mentally broken down that they either walk thru life badly wounded in their mind or commit suicide. I used to call the police all the time when I was a kid on my father for beating my mother and my siblings, so I'm speaking from personal experience here. I hope that this incident can be resolved in a family court and counselling for the whole family.

[buggyone]

I had a lawyer friend who slapped his daughter for missbehaving and she called 911. He now has a felony conviction on his record and is on probation.

Hopefully that child was thrown out of the house or sent to be raised by wolves.

[Zoomie1955]

When I was in school (too many years ago to count), if you got in trouble the nuns would discipline you. By the time you got home from school, your parents were notified. Then you got your butt beat at home also. Needless to say, I never did it again!!!
Things have changed!!!! Parents listen to their children and the teachers are blamed for everything!!!!
Parents wonder why their children don't owe up to their responsibilities!! He probably snapped!!! Bad situation the whole way around!

[jhrc4]

Well obviously this is going to be settled in court # 1

For all the Chief supporters the question you need to ask yourselves is pretty simple, will he take the stand in his own defense ? or take the Cowards way out and hide behind some slick lawyer.

The kid did not get those injuries from " We Had A Pretty Good Tussle " the Alleged Accused Own Words, and I do emphasize " Alleged ".

[Madelaine Amee]

Well obviously this is going to be settled in court # 1

For all the Chief supporters the question you need to ask yourselves is pretty simple, will he take the stand in his own defense ? or take the Cowards way out and hide behind some slick lawyer.

The kid did not get those injuries from " We Had A Pretty Good Tussle " the Alleged Accused Own Words, and I do emphasize " Alleged ".

How do you know what injuries the "kid" sustained?

[zcaveman]

How do you know what injuries the "kid" sustained?

It as in today's DS on page C-1.

Z

[OldManTime]

My prayers go out to Mike Tucker, he is a good man, his teenage kid pushed his button, and he reacted.

[Taltarzac725]

Home (http://www.preventchildabuse.org/index.php)

I looked this organization up by googling so I am not familiar with it. I am glad, however, that this incident is being discussed by the Villages Daily Sun as well as on TOTV.

Anyone have any information on what organizations, agencies, etc. were helpful if they were involved in some way with preventing child abuse, educating people about its effects and the like?


The Florida Victim Services Directory lists local resources-- http://myfloridalegal.com/directory organized by Judicial Circuit.

[tucson]

My prayers go out to Mike Tucker, he is a good man, his teenage kid pushed his button, and he reacted.

wow........

[Madelaine Amee]

My prayers go out to Mike Tucker, he is a good man, his teenage kid pushed his button, and he reacted.

I have to agree with this comment .................. and I'll continue by asking "is this really child abuse" or was it a one off over-reaction to a smart mouth teenager, or is it an ongoing problem in the house? If it is an ongoing problem in the house then it's child abuse. I think if there was habitual child abuse in the home someone outside the home would have known about it. There are four boys, one of them would have mentioned something to someone by now.

I have just finished reading the piece in the paper which states that Mike Tucker had been out with his crew fighting the Villa fire, I am going to assume he returned to the Fire Station to help with the clean up of the engine and putting away equipment and then probably had to write at least one, probably two or more lengthy reports on the fire. I am going to assume he then went home exhausted and the son in question probably made a stupid typical teenage comment ................ At that point Mike Tucker appears to have lost it and pushed, slapped, whatever, his son causing him to fall off the kitchen stool. The son probably was more than annoyed by this reaction and continued to give his Father lip and from then on all hell broke lose in that house.

I have raised boys, great kids, but push my buttons they certainly could and did.

I am hoping when this case does go to court Mike Tucker will have a Judge who has some commonsense and gets to the bottom of this.

[tucson]

His child could've been killed from this beating......

[Madelaine Amee]

His child could've been killed from this beating......

BUT his child was not killed from this altercation ------ but his child now runs the risk of losing his Father, the Father's income and the home life he has enjoyed to this point.

[tucson]

"Investigators also interviewed Tucker's wife,who said her husband struck the child in the head,causing the fall from the stool. She WALKED AWAY and did not witness the REST of the altercation, (not "tussling"), the report states. These are quotes from the article in today's Daily Sun) WHY did she walk away !!!!!!???? I just hope the victim went to the hospital for some tests, especially on his head.

[Madelaine Amee]

"Investigators also interviewed Tucker's wife,who said her husband struck the child in the head,causing the fall from the stool. She WALKED AWAY and did not witness the REST of the altercation, (not "tussling"), the report states. These are quotes from the article in today's Daily Sun) WHY did she walk away !!!!!!???? I just hope the victim went to the hospital for some tests, especially on his head.

WHY did she walk away !!!!!!????

She probably walked away because she was used to them bickering at each other and wanted no part of it. I'm going to assume, rightly or wrongly, that Mike Tucker and his son had an ongoing combative relationship.

[Taltarzac725]

BUT his child was not killed from this altercation ------ but his child now runs the risk of losing his Father, the Father's income and the home life he has enjoyed to this point.

These situations are often very tragic for those involved. There do not seem to be any easy answers in these either. We really do not know what the private lives of this Villages area family are, however. I do hope that the case falls to a wise judge.

Anyone know what kind of laws bind the judge's actions with respect to child abuse allegations here in Florida? There often seems to be only so much leeway a judge striving for what is best for the family really has? And then the wise judge becomes an activist judge if she goes too far.

[Madelaine Amee]

These situations are often very tragic for those involved. There do not seem to be any easy answers in these either. We really do not know what the private lives of this Villages area family are, however. I do hope that the case falls to a wise judge.

Anyone know what kind of laws bind the judge's actions with respect to child abuse allegations here in Florida? There often seems to be only so much leeway a judge striving for what is best for the family really has? And then the wise judge becomes an activist judges if she goes too far.

Hopefully it's going to be a lesson learned by all concerned. If it is a case of a father/son rubbing each other the wrong way then I have to believe that TV will stand behind him. I am also going to assume that the children and the wife, plus his co-workers will be called to speak on his behalf. If this is not the case then he is real trouble.

[bimmertl]

BUT his child was not killed from this altercation ------ but his child now runs the risk of losing his Father, the Father's income and the home life he has enjoyed to this point.

Amazing "logic". So in the case of spousal or child abuse, don't report the abuser since the family might lose the abuser and his income and the "enjoyable" home life.

The son didn't report the beating to the police, the school ultimately did. Teachers are mandatory reporters of child abuse for a good reason.

Child Abuse Tutorial (http://childabuse.fiu.edu/reporting.php)

[Madelaine Amee]

Amazing "logic". So in the case of spousal or child abuse, don't report the abuser since the family might lose the abuser and his income and the "enjoyable" home life.

The son didn't report the beating to the police, the school ultimately did. Teachers are mandatory reporters of child abuse for a good reason.

Child Abuse Tutorial (http://childabuse.fiu.edu/reporting.php)

You have no idea whether this was child abuse or not! Jumping to conclusions without know the facts.

[jbdlfan]

Hopefully it's going to be a lesson learned by all concerned. If it is a case of a father/son rubbing each other the wrong way then I have to believe that TV will stand behind him. I am also going to assume that the children and the wife, plus his co-workers will be called to speak on his behalf. If this is not the case then he is real trouble.

The kid was smacked. Then the father CONTINUED the attack. Should he loose his job, not sure about that yet. Kid pushed buttons? Yep, that's what kids do. But I see this on a regular basis. Parents will say their hands are tied because they can't discipline. But those same parents still allow the kids cell phones, video games, computer time and other privileges. Hands aren't tied, parents just don't want to parent because it's inconvenient to them.

[quirky3]

Justice is (or should be) blind, and based only on the facts, not on the resume of the arrested person. Treat him no differently than anyone else. Consider the possibility that the wife walked away because she couldn't sustain one more beating herself.

[perrjojo]

So what!!!! These days you can't discipline your children without someone threatening you with child abuse.... You will note that the son didn't do the reporting of the incident. That probably says it all.... Give the guy a break. Regardless of the whole story, it's embarrasing enough for the family, give it a break folks......

One day I was standing in line waiting for a RX. There was a mother and small child behind me and the child(about 5) kept whining for a candy bar. The mother repeatedly said, no. The child then threatened his mother that he would go to school and tell his teacher that his mother abused him if he didn't get the candy bar. Jeesh! We have lost all control over children.

[blueash]

For those who feel that a mouthy son deserves to be pummeled to preserve discipline in the home, you had better also believe that a wife deserves the same, and of course an employee at work and a server slow with a refill perhaps. NO ONE has any right to expect to be able to strike someone without legal consequences. There are well defined terms for what discipline constitutes normal and when it crosses the line to become abusive. The comment repeatedly made that you cannot physically discipline your child is completely wrong, but there is a line in physical discipline which when crossed becomes abusive. I don't care whether he spent all day doing paperwork that is absolutely no excuse for bruising your wife, your child, nor what I think some on this forum would believe is worse your dog.

Let the system work this out. There will be an evaluation of the incident and the family. That evaluation will, as it should be, kept private unless it needs to be included in any court proceedings. We all have our stresses, we all sometimes feel anger and have our button pushed. Hitting a family member out of anger is always wrong. If you don't share that I feel sorry for those who have to live with the threat of your next "justified" assault. Stop blaming the victim. Women don't ask to be raped because of how they dress and men have hormones that are hard to control. Stop blaming the victim. Teens don't ask to be beaten because of what they say and parents have needs for respect that are hard to control.

[tucson]

For those who feel that a mouthy son deserves to be pummeled to preserve discipline in the home, you had better also believe that a wife deserves the same, and of course an employee at work and a server slow with a refill perhaps. NO ONE has any right to expect to be able to strike someone without legal consequences. There are well defined terms for what discipline constitutes normal and when it crosses the line to become abusive. The comment repeatedly made that you cannot physically discipline your child is completely wrong, but there is a line in physical discipline which when crossed becomes abusive. I don't care whether he spent all day doing paperwork that is absolutely no excuse for bruising your wife, your child, nor what I think some on this forum would believe is worse your dog.

Let the system work this out. There will be an evaluation of the incident and the family. That evaluation will, as it should be, kept private unless it needs to be included in any court proceedings. We all have our stresses, we all sometimes feel anger and have our button pushed. Hitting a family member out of anger is always wrong. If you don't share that I feel sorry for those who have to live with the threat of your next "justified" assault. Stop blaming the victim. Women don't ask to be raped because of how they dress and men have hormones that are hard to control. Stop blaming the victim. Teens don't ask to be beaten because of what they say and parents have needs for respect that are hard to control.

Wonderful post :-)

[LndLocked]

I must wonder if those people that seem to be so willing to blame a "mouthy" teenage CHILD and give the ADULT that was arrested so much slack, would be willing to do so if this story did not have a TV connection??????????????????????????????

[Chi-Town]

People can argue as to the severity of his actions, but the real test of stupidity is how much he blabbed without a lawyer present.

[tucson]

BUT his child was not killed from this altercation ------ but his child now runs the risk of losing his Father, the Father's income and the home life he has enjoyed to this point.

huh??? losing the father's income??? what! and the "home life he has enjoyed" ??? all I can say is wow.... omg...

[samhass]

For those who feel that a mouthy son deserves to be pummeled to preserve discipline in the home, you had better also believe that a wife deserves the same, and of course an employee at work and a server slow with a refill perhaps. NO ONE has any right to expect to be able to strike someone without legal consequences. There are well defined terms for what discipline constitutes normal and when it crosses the line to become abusive. The comment repeatedly made that you cannot physically discipline your child is completely wrong, but there is a line in physical discipline which when crossed becomes abusive. I don't care whether he spent all day doing paperwork that is absolutely no excuse for bruising your wife, your child, nor what I think some on this forum would believe is worse your dog.

Let the system work this out. There will be an evaluation of the incident and the family. That evaluation will, as it should be, kept private unless it needs to be included in any court proceedings. We all have our stresses, we all sometimes feel anger and have our button pushed. Hitting a family member out of anger is always wrong. If you don't share that I feel sorry for those who have to live with the threat of your next "justified" assault. Stop blaming the victim. Women don't ask to be raped because of how they dress and men have hormones that are hard to control. Stop blaming the victim. Teens don't ask to be beaten because of what they say and parents have needs for respect that are hard to control.

Absolutely correct.

[jhrc4]

For those who feel that a mouthy son deserves to be pummeled to preserve discipline in the home, you had better also believe that a wife deserves the same, and of course an employee at work and a server slow with a refill perhaps. NO ONE has any right to expect to be able to strike someone without legal consequences. There are well defined terms for what discipline constitutes normal and when it crosses the line to become abusive. The comment repeatedly made that you cannot physically discipline your child is completely wrong, but there is a line in physical discipline which when crossed becomes abusive. I don't care whether he spent all day doing paperwork that is absolutely no excuse for bruising your wife, your child, nor what I think some on this forum would believe is worse your dog.

Let the system work this out. There will be an evaluation of the incident and the family. That evaluation will, as it should be, kept private unless it needs to be included in any court proceedings. We all have our stresses, we all sometimes feel anger and have our button pushed. Hitting a family member out of anger is always wrong. If you don't share that I feel sorry for those who have to live with the threat of your next "justified" assault. Stop blaming the victim. Women don't ask to be raped because of how they dress and men have hormones that are hard to control. Stop blaming the victim. Teens don't ask to be beaten because of what they say and parents have needs for respect that are hard to control.

I totally agree with this post, probably the best one of all. This guy in my opinion finally got Caught, his son got hurt thankfully not seriously.

We'll see how this plays out in court, clearly that's where it is going to end up. Next up when he finally has to face the Judge for all you supporters of the Accused ask yourselves this, Will he take the Stand in his own defense or Hide behind some Slick Lawyer out of Orlando.

[rubicon]

Response specific to this situation would be difficult because we are not aware of the family situation and in particular the facts and circumstances that preceded this altercation

Generally speaking I have witnessed children who have abused their parents but because of laws parents are tethered to their chairs.

Conversely I have witnessed parents abuse their children, some of whom ended up being arrested.

the bible says spare the rod and spoil the child to which Dr. Spock defined as abuse.

So how do we define abuse. Once schools were allowed to use the paddle. I know I held the record for whacks in my freshman year. Today its an excellent basis for a lawsuit against the teacher , school and city/state

The problem with this subject is that it is labeled abuse vis a vis discipline today. so how do you defend the negative connotation of abuse?

[QueenBee1]

For those who feel that a mouthy son deserves to be pummeled to preserve discipline in the home, you had better also believe that a wife deserves the same, and of course an employee at work and a server slow with a refill perhaps. NO ONE has any right to expect to be able to strike someone without legal consequences. There are well defined terms for what discipline constitutes normal and when it crosses the line to become abusive. The comment repeatedly made that you cannot physically discipline your child is completely wrong, but there is a line in physical discipline which when crossed becomes abusive. I don't care whether he spent all day doing paperwork that is absolutely no excuse for bruising your wife, your child, nor what I think some on this forum would believe is worse your dog.

Let the system work this out. There will be an evaluation of the incident and the family. That evaluation will, as it should be, kept private unless it needs to be included in any court proceedings. We all have our stresses, we all sometimes feel anger and have our button pushed. Hitting a family member out of anger is always wrong. If you don't share that I feel sorry for those who have to live with the threat of your next "justified" assault. Stop blaming the victim. Women don't ask to be raped because of how they dress and men have hormones that are hard to control. Stop blaming the victim. Teens don't ask to be beaten because of what they say and parents have needs for respect that are hard to control.
I Totally Agree, Great post

[DINTY]

I must wonder if those people that seem to be so willing to blame a "mouthy" teenage CHILD and give the ADULT that was arrested so much slack, would be willing to do so if this story did not have a TV connection??????????????????????????????

It is 'generally' safe to assume that incidents as this are not 'first time events.' One would hope that anger management will be an outcome especially if the family will not press charges ... (which would not be unusual) ... even though he has currently been barred from the family home.

[Taltarzac725]

One day I was standing in line waiting for a RX. There was a mother and small child behind me and the child(about 5) kept whining for a candy bar. The mother repeatedly said, no. The child then threatened his mother that he would go to school and tell his teacher that his mother abused him if he didn't get the candy bar. Jeesh! We have lost all control over children.

That's an interesting story.

We should wait and see what facts come out in this if they ever do about the Fire Chief's case.

I am certainly against blaming the victim but life is seldom filled with black and white answers as to who did the wrongdoing. That is why we have jury trials and the test of guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. And even then it is a guess as to what actually happened in the whole matter as with the Caylee Anthony death. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_of_Caylee_Anthony

[Halle]

For those who feel that a mouthy son deserves to be pummeled to preserve discipline in the home, you had better also believe that a wife deserves the same, and of course an employee at work and a server slow with a refill perhaps. NO ONE has any right to expect to be able to strike someone without legal consequences. There are well defined terms for what discipline constitutes normal and when it crosses the line to become abusive. The comment repeatedly made that you cannot physically discipline your child is completely wrong, but there is a line in physical discipline which when crossed becomes abusive. I don't care whether he spent all day doing paperwork that is absolutely no excuse for bruising your wife, your child, nor what I think some on this forum would believe is worse your dog.

Let the system work this out. There will be an evaluation of the incident and the family. That evaluation will, as it should be, kept private unless it needs to be included in any court proceedings. We all have our stresses, we all sometimes feel anger and have our button pushed. Hitting a family member out of anger is always wrong. If you don't share that I feel sorry for those who have to live with the threat of your next "justified" assault. Stop blaming the victim. Women don't ask to be raped because of how they dress and men have hormones that are hard to control. Stop blaming the victim. Teens don't ask to be beaten because of what they say and parents have needs for respect that are hard to control.

I agree, I also believe this was probably not the first such incident in that household or the mother would not have walked away.

[dillywho]

I agree that all the facts are not in and that everything on here (and other forums) is strictly speculation. Maybe the "child" is 17...which is under the age of 18, as described in the paper. Maybe the mother walked away because the son totally disrespected her and not his dad so she let him handle it. How can they have 4 boys and this is by all appearances that any "abuse" exists? Point is, we don't know for sure.

People were so fast to defend Zimmerman and say that Martin should not be being called a child because he was 17 and "big". Either 17 is a child or it isn't....can't have it both ways.

My parents practiced corporal punishment when my brother and I were growing up. We sometimes had bruises and switch marks, too. (We even had to go out and pick our own switches and they had best be good ones, too!) None of which were permanent or life-threatening "injuries". We simply learned what was and was not acceptable behavior and "mouthing off" was definitely not acceptable! Nor was lying, stealing, not doing what you were told, etc. We were definitely loved and had no doubts about it, but we had limits and consequences when those limits were breached. We both became successful, respectful, and respected adults who brought up our children to be the same. You would be hard-pressed to find a kinder, gentler soul than my brother. Our self-image remained intact, as well. It did not teach us to be violent, either. We were taught to search for the good in others and to remember that any board always has two sides, just as any story.

My dad had guns but we both knew better than to touch them under any circumstances! We were not allowed to play with his hat(s) even. He never went anywhere without a hat and it was removed the minute he entered our house or any other building. He never served in the military (too young for one war and too old for the other), ALWAYS stood for the National Anthem and the flag. His hat immediately came off then, too. Unfortunately, that is so often not taught nor practiced anymore.

Sorry for the rant, but I still try to follow my parents teachings and see things from more than one angle. Were they perfect? Absolutely not, but they always had our best interests at heart. One of the hardest things I ever did was have surgery without my mother there because she had died the year before.

Little humor here: My dad once cut down my mother's rose bushes because I fell into them and got hurt. He also got rid of their chickens the same day the old rooster attacked me. He covered my body with his when a plane crashed in the alley in back of our house because he thought it was coming right into our house. That, my friends, is love.

[DaleMN]

Only a short list of people know what happened. All others are just speculating according to their view of the world.

[Hacker1]

I agree that all the facts are not in and that everything on here (and other forums) is strictly speculation. Maybe the "child" is 17...which is under the age of 18, as described in the paper. Maybe the mother walked away because the son totally disrespected her and not his dad so she let him handle it. How can they have 4 boys and this is by all appearances that any "abuse" exists? Point is, we don't know for sure.

People were so fast to defend Zimmerman and say that Martin should not be being called a child because he was 17 and "big". Either 17 is a child or it isn't....can't have it both ways.

My parents practiced corporal punishment when my brother and I were growing up. We sometimes had bruises and switch marks, too. (We even had to go out and pick our own switches and they had best be good ones, too!) None of which were permanent or life-threatening "injuries". We simply learned what was and was not acceptable behavior and "mouthing off" was definitely not acceptable! Nor was lying, stealing, not doing what you were told, etc. We were definitely loved and had no doubts about it, but we had limits and consequences when those limits were breached. We both became successful, respectful, and respected adults who brought up our children to be the same. You would be hard-pressed to find a kinder, gentler soul than my brother. Our self-image remained intact, as well. It did not teach us to be violent, either. We were taught to search for the good in others and to remember that any board always has two sides, just as any story.

My dad had guns but we both knew better than to touch them under any circumstances! We were not allowed to play with his hat(s) even. He never went anywhere without a hat and it was removed the minute he entered our house or any other building. He never served in the military (too young for one war and too old for the other), ALWAYS stood for the National Anthem and the flag. His hat immediately came off then, too. Unfortunately, that is so often not taught nor practiced anymore.

Sorry for the rant, but I still try to follow my parents teachings and see things from more than one angle. Were they perfect? Absolutely not, but they always had our best interests at heart. One of the hardest things I ever did was have surgery without my mother there because she had died the year before.

Little humor here: My dad once cut down my mother's rose bushes because I fell into them and got hurt. He also got rid of their chickens the same day the old rooster attacked me. He covered my body with his when a plane crashed in the alley in back of our house because he thought it was coming right into our house. That, my friends, is love.

This, INMHO, is the best post so far. Very disapointing that so many on here seem to be so ready to convict the Chief b4 the evidence is in.

[Villager357]

I have sat here for the past two days and read post after post about this and a lot of you should be ashamed of your self. Reply after reply states "He's a nice guy", I read the Florida State Statute he was charged with several times and I have failed to find any exemptions in it that state its okay to leave marks on your child's head, neck, back, and ribs, if you are a "Nice Guy" and have done a lot for your community. I have a very close family friend that works for this "Nice Guy" and you should hear just some of the stories of how he treats his employee's. The moral in the fire department is at an all time low because of how he treats his employee's but I'm sure that's also okay because he is a "Nice Guy" and has done a lot for his community. I would relate the fire department to a rotten egg, it looks good on the outside but stinks on the inside and it's HIS FAULT, he is the one that has elected to treat his employees this way. The guys and girls that show up at your house when you call 911 are a GREAT bunch of people, now lets get them a leader that will appreciate them and treat them with respect.

[Villager357]

This type of behavior is nothing new for him and it's a behavior he's condone. Last year he had a supervisor place his hands on an employee, pushing him several times, and this "Nice Guy" allowed that supervisor to keep his job for several reasons, all of which I am sure are not exemptions in the Villages Human Resource Manual. However he are the reasons, the supervisor was a "Nice Guy", because he has done a lot for the fire department, and because of the time the supervisor worked for him. For this it's okay in the fire chief's mind to place your hands on another person. He needs to go and the Villages needs to make it very clear they do not condone this type of behavior. And for the Grandparents out there you need to make sure you voice this to the Villages.

[Happinow]

I think we know many "nice" people .......on the surface. None of us knows what goes on behind closed doors.

[tpop1]

My prayers go out to Mike Tucker, he is a good man, his teenage kid pushed his button, and he reacted.

You gotta be kiddin me...I got my buttons pushed more times than an Empire State Building elevator button by my good kid and NEVER had a "tussle"!! And I have been accused (falsely I maintain :duck:) of having a little temper.

Never tempted to lash out with fists... found other ways to discipline.

Mike Tucker may be a good man, and it may be too early to judge but that means we shouldn't judge either way! The quoted post may be blaming the victim!

[Warren Kiefer]

I agree that all the facts are not in and that everything on here (and other forums) is strictly speculation. Maybe the "child" is 17...which is under the age of 18, as described in the paper. Maybe the mother walked away because the son totally disrespected her and not his dad so she let him handle it. How can they have 4 boys and this is by all appearances that any "abuse" exists? Point is, we don't know for sure.

People were so fast to defend Zimmerman and say that Martin should not be being called a child because he was 17 and "big". Either 17 is a child or it isn't....can't have it both ways.

My parents practiced corporal punishment when my brother and I were growing up. We sometimes had bruises and switch marks, too. (We even had to go out and pick our own switches and they had best be good ones, too!) None of which were permanent or life-threatening "injuries". We simply learned what was and was not acceptable behavior and "mouthing off" was definitely not acceptable! Nor was lying, stealing, not doing what you were told, etc. We were definitely loved and had no doubts about it, but we had limits and consequences when those limits were breached. We both became successful, respectful, and respected adults who brought up our children to be the same. You would be hard-pressed to find a kinder, gentler soul than my brother. Our self-image remained intact, as well. It did not teach us to be violent, either. We were taught to search for the good in others and to remember that any board always has two sides, just as any story.

My dad had guns but we both knew better than to touch them under any circumstances! We were not allowed to play with his hat(s) even. He never went anywhere without a hat and it was removed the minute he entered our house or any other building. He never served in the military (too young for one war and too old for the other), ALWAYS stood for the National Anthem and the flag. His hat immediately came off then, too. Unfortunately, that is so often not taught nor practiced anymore.

Sorry for the rant, but I still try to follow my parents teachings and see things from more than one angle. Were they perfect? Absolutely not, but they always had our best interests at heart. One of the hardest things I ever did was have surgery without my mother there because she had died the year before.

Little humor here: My dad once cut down my mother's rose bushes because I fell into them and got hurt. He also got rid of their chickens the same day the old rooster attacked me. He covered my body with his when a plane crashed in the alley in back of our house because he thought it was coming right into our house. That, my friends, is love.

THIS BECOMES VERY DESTRUCTIVE FOR A FAMILY BUT THAT SAID, LET'S LOOL AT SOME FACTS. tUCHER WOULD HAVE NOT BEEN CHARGES AS HE WAS IF THE VICTIM WAS AN ADULT. SO WE CAN CONC LUDE HE WAS A MINOR. HIS MOTHER WAS PRESENT, THIS TELL US IT WAS A SON. HE HAD VISIBLE INJURIES THAT WERE VISIBLE TO CLASS MATES. TUCKER ADMITTED THERE WAS A TUSSLE, UNFORTUNATELY, "TUSSLES DON'T LEAVE SERIOUS MARKS ON ONES BODY. iT HAS BEEN MY EXPERIENCE THAT WHEN AUTHORITIES ARE FINALLY ALERTED TO ABUSE, THAT ABUSE HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR A WHILE. IT SHOCKS ME THAT SOME POSTERS SEEM TO SUPPORT "WHOPPING" CHILDREN AT TIMES AND ALSO OTHERS BELIEVE A WHIPPING WITH A STICK MADE THEM BETTER PERSONS.

[CFrance]

He made the 11PM news (Orlando local CBS affiliate) last night. He was being held without bond.

He is out on bond and staying with his mother.

[gomoho]

Until you walk in someone else's shoes...

[CFrance]

THIS BECOMES VERY DESTRUCTIVE FOR A FAMILY BUT THAT SAID, LET'S LOOL AT SOME FACTS. tUCHER WOULD HAVE NOT BEEN CHARGES AS HE WAS IF THE VICTIM WAS AN ADULT. SO WE CAN CONC LUDE HE WAS A MINOR. HIS MOTHER WAS PRESENT, THIS TELL US IT WAS A SON. HE HAD VISIBLE INJURIES THAT WERE VISIBLE TO CLASS MATES. TUCKER ADMITTED THERE WAS A TUSSLE, UNFORTUNATELY, "TUSSLES DON'T LEAVE SERIOUS MARKS ON ONES BODY. iT HAS BEEN MY EXPERIENCE THAT WHEN AUTHORITIES ARE FINALLY ALERTED TO ABUSE, THAT ABUSE HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR A WHILE. IT SHOCKS ME THAT SOME POSTERS SEEM TO SUPPORT "WHOPPING" CHILDREN AT TIMES AND ALSO OTHERS BELIEVE A WHIPPING WITH A STICK MADE THEM BETTER PERSONS.

:BigApplause::BigApplause:

[jhrc4]

Alright we have so many points in support of the accused " Alleged " cough, cough, Child abuser. My question to all of you here goes were you surprised that Casey Anthony was found " NOT GUILTY " . With that I along with others The Prosecution Rest

The guy is and always has been a bully and got caught finally, he is a coward, we'll see if he in his own defense takes the stand, after all he has pleaded " Not guilty ".

Right now he the Accused is living with his mother who is comforting him, and certainly reassure him like most mothers would do with there, there, Mike....eeeee, don't worry things will work out, and with Mike..., head on Mommy's shoulder will feel so relieved, and then the court date, Oh No, now what. Does He the Accused take the Stand ?

[Barefoot]

Response specific to this situation would be difficult because we are not aware of the family situation and in particular the facts and circumstances that preceded this altercation.

Until you walk in someone else's shoes...

I personally don't think we should be rushing to judgment until the facts of the situation are known. The media has already made corrections to some of their initial incorrect reports. So far, all we have is a lot of speculation and judgement, but few substantiated facts.

[Villager357]

You have A LOT of assumptions in your reply. Again I have a family friend who works for this man. He became physically sick when he saw your post, he became sick because all to many Villagers believe this is how Chief Tucker is when in reality he is EXTREMELY belittling to his employee's, has not lifted
a finger to help clean up after a fire in years (because that's below him), has not written a report in years, and if he was exhausted it was from driving to the fire. Please don't believe me or my friend on this one, take a drive to your local fire station and in conversation ask when the last time THEY saw the fire chief fighting a fire, picking up hose, or returning to the station to help after a fire. You are sadly misinformed of this man, and his actions as a chief. His crews do not respect him, they have no confidence in him and they are leaving in mass numbers. Last number I heard was almost 20 position needed to be filled, he will quickly blame this on the retirement these firefighters have but the truth of the matter is a lot of them are tired of being treated like yesterdays garbage.

WE NEED TO STAND BEHIND THE ONES THAT SERVE US SO WELL AND FORCE THE VILLAGES TO GET THEM A TRUE LEADER, one that will do all of the tings you posted, for a second I thought you had him confused with the Sumter County Fire Chief.


I have to agree with this comment .................. and I'll continue by asking "is this really child abuse" or was it a one off over-reaction to a smart mouth teenager, or is it an ongoing problem in the house? If it is an ongoing problem in the house then it's child abuse. I think if there was habitual child abuse in the home someone outside the home would have known about it. There are four boys, one of them would have mentioned something to someone by now.

I have just finished reading the piece in the paper which states that Mike Tucker had been out with his crew fighting the Villa fire, I am going to assume he returned to the Fire Station to help with the clean up of the engine and putting away equipment and then probably had to write at least one, probably two or more lengthy reports on the fire. I am going to assume he then went home exhausted and the son in question probably made a stupid typical teenage comment ................ At that point Mike Tucker appears to have lost it and pushed, slapped, whatever, his son causing him to fall off the kitchen stool. The son probably was more than annoyed by this reaction and continued to give his Father lip and from then on all hell broke lose in that house.

I have raised boys, great kids, but push my buttons they certainly could and did.

I am hoping when this case does go to court Mike Tucker will have a Judge who has some commonsense and gets to the bottom of this.

[jbdlfan]

I personally don't think we should be rushing to judgment until the facts of the situation are known. The media has already made corrections to some of their initial incorrect reports. So far, all we have is a lot of speculation and judgement, but few substantiated facts.

What corrections have been made? I haven't heard anything new, just curious.

[kittygilchrist]

His child could've been killed from this beating......

sorry to ask but are you an M.D. or medical examiner or...?

[kittygilchrist]

so here we go just like the trayvon martin case getting an opinion from what we read in the paper. I hope if this goes to trial which is doubtful, that nobody posting on here with an opinion arrived at already serves on the jury. just ain't right.

[LndLocked]

What corrections have been made? I haven't heard anything new, just curious.

The only change or inconsistency that I have read is the initial reports said he was being "held without bond" .... then it was reported that he had paid a 5K bond and been released. Apparently the initial report should have read more along the lines that ... bond has not been set.

[Warren Kiefer]

but his child was not killed from this altercation ------ but his child now runs the risk of losing his father, the father's income and the home life he has enjoyed to this point.

is this post a joke and someone using satire to lighten up the issue or what ?? If serious, i cannot believe that anyone would indicate the are concerned that reporting abuse could result in the victim possibly losing their good life. Abuse is a felony criminal act, tucker admits he did the act and called it a tussle. I am shocked at some of the posts that paint a totally different image many had of tucker of being a pillar of the community. Other posters tell us tucker is a bully, a belittler, someone that does no work etc. As for me, i have no idea. But rest assured, there will be no winners here. It is factual that abuse is not usually a one time occurance but goes on sometimes for years. And usually when children are abused by a father, the mother also suffers abuse.
And using the reasoning that no one was killed, it would only take a few minutes to come up with 50 cases where the abuser, usually the father, killed his wife, the wife killed the husband, the abuser killed the child or perhaps the child killed the father. Open any newspaper on any day !!!

[Shirleevee]

I AGREE! Thank you for a real common sense post!

[senior citizen]

is this post a joke and someone using satire to lighten up the issue or what ?? If serious, i cannot believe that anyone would indicate the are concerned that reporting abuse could result in the victim possibly losing their good life. Abuse is a felony criminal act, tucker admits he did the act and called it a tussle. I am shocked at some of the posts that paint a totally different image many had of tucker of being a pillar of the community. Other posters tell us tucker is a bully, a belittler, someone that does no work etc. As for me, i have no idea. But rest assured, there will be no winners here. It is factual that abuse is not usually a one time occurance but goes on sometimes for years. And usually when children are abused by a father, the mother also suffers abuse.
And using the reasoning that no one was killed, it would only take a few minutes to come up with 50 cases where the abuser, usually the father, killed his wife, the wife killed the husband, the abuser killed the child or perhaps the child killed the father. Open any newspaper on any day !!!



Excellent post. Totally well written and immense common sense.


There is a faction at TOTV that likes to take the side of whomever the rest of us would find to be less than upstanding citizens.


To those of us "outside the bubble" who live in the real world, it's nice to see a free thinking intelligent post.

[senior citizen]

A lot of sympathy for the Fire Chief ( Adult ) grown man. More sympathy for the Chiefs family...how about the " Alleged " Victim. Where is the feeling for him.
What goes on behind closed doors, lot's of movies, TV shows, and it is usually " He " was the nicest, kind, gentile, would do anything for you, the " Pillar " of the community, and then the shoe drops along with the jaws. Held without bond should tell you there is more to this. Skip the feel sorry for the Chief until we get the scoop. We'll see how long " Alleged " last's. Keep in mind...Grown Man vs Child !! " We Were Tussling Pretty Good ", so said the arrested person, and extent of injuries to the victim came from more than a " Tussle " . Big Brave Adult , not so big and brave sitting in a jail cell.


Yes. Agree.

We raised a teenaged son. Once in high school, especially around their friends, the once little angelic boy will "test their parent's" via words.

I always felt I was the adult and I always remained in control, emotionally.

The one incident that comes to mind was when I calmly replied that "No, Dad and I cannot host a keg party" at your graduation barbecue as it's illegal". He got in my face for that; his friend was nearby.....I figured it was to impress the other kid.
At the time, our police were cracking down on parents supplying any type of alchohol at all during graduation parties (which in years previously had been totally acceptable as long as the parents and other adults were on the premises and a lot of parents in the "olden days" would rather have all the kids and their friends at their place than out driving or at someone else's place. But times changed and it was just when these boys were reaching graduation time. The newspaper was full of warnings that if parents supplied any alchohol, even a beer, they were responsible. So I said NO. I also retained my composure.......even later when I tried to talk and explain to him in private, he remained mad at me all night. But parents should show some maturity and control.
It can be done without resorting to violence.


By the way, these "barbecues" were attended by all the kids' parents as well as us......so there was adult supervision.
It wasn't like a free for all keg party one might imagine. So, the kids had a ride home.......or else the kids slept over.


But, we got through the high school years and the college years and everyone is still alive, thankfully.

Neither myself nor my husband ever felt we had to use *corporal punishment on either of our children. Neither did we scream or yell at them. Ours was a peaceful household and they both turned out great.

They actually thanked us for giving them a wonderful childhood, etc. (they both did this when they were juniors in college) and even thanked us for staying intact as a family when so many of their friends' parents had divorced.

Today they are raising their children in the same loving way without corporal punishment. I always felt that if you explained things ahead of time.........their behavior was as expected. The few teenage outbursts can be chalked up to hormones or trying to impress a friend.

Besides, knocking a kid off of a stool and then carrying this "tussle" out to the front lawn seems more like a physical attack of a father "out of control" when he is the adult and should be in control.

Even the best mannered and behaved teenage boys will test their parents at times. This man sounds like a class A "bully".


p.s. Another remembrance of the teenaged years comes to mind when we hosted Spanish Exchange students from Granada Spain (twice, once for our daughter and again for our son). Our daughter had explained to us how the boys were machismo and spoiled rotten by their mothers in Spain, yet the girls were sweet and polite (it was true).
For our son's "student exchange party" which all the teachers also attended (Spanish and our local teachers), held at our home, the boys immediately spoke up about the fact that only coca cola and other soft drinks were being served and NO ALCHOHOL........in Spain they were all allowed to drink, both at home and out while having "tapas". The chaperoning teachers tried to calm them down, but these boys were really annoyed that they couldn't drink in our house. All of them also smoked (this is junior year in high school) and they knew it was not allowed in the student exchange program so would go into the bathrooms to smoke. Boys , in particular, can have an attitude in their teens.
The teachers also retained their composure when the boys got surly over no alcohol rule. Adults do that.

[NECHFalcon68]

Until you walk in someone else's shoes...

Agree!!!!!! Only the family knows the true story.

And posting hearsay from a neighbor doesn't cut it...why cant the neighbor post their observations themselves?

[Challenger]

Lots of speculation in this case is not useful to anyone. Let it lay until more FACTUAL info is available.

[samhass]

You have A LOT of assumptions in your reply. Again I have a family friend who works for this man. He became physically sick when he saw your post, he became sick because all to many Villagers believe this is how Chief Tucker is when in reality he is EXTREMELY belittling to his employee's, has not lifted
a finger to help clean up after a fire in years (because that's below him), has not written a report in years, and if he was exhausted it was from driving to the fire. Please don't believe me or my friend on this one, take a drive to your local fire station and in conversation ask when the last time THEY saw the fire chief fighting a fire, picking up hose, or returning to the station to help after a fire. You are sadly misinformed of this man, and his actions as a chief. His crews do not respect him, they have no confidence in him and they are leaving in mass numbers. Last number I heard was almost 20 position needed to be filled, he will quickly blame this on the retirement these firefighters have but the truth of the matter is a lot of them are tired of being treated like yesterdays garbage.

WE NEED TO STAND BEHIND THE ONES THAT SERVE US SO WELL AND FORCE THE VILLAGES TO GET THEM A TRUE LEADER, one that will do all of the tings you posted, for a second I thought you had him confused with the Sumter County Fire Chief.



Your statement that we are understaffed by about twenty positions in the fire department bears investigation.

[Parker]

Lots of speculation in this case is not useful to anyone. Let it lay until more FACTUAL info is available.


Yes, I quite agree. I can make a case for or against the father, the son, the mother, the neighbors, the fire department, the commenters here, etc.. But Challenger hit the nail on the proverbial head.

[ROCKETMAN]

The chief knocks his son off a bar stool, beats him while he is on the ground, drags him outside hitting his head again and posters say our prayers are with the chief. When people who worked withg him claim he was a bully, I tend to think he has anger management problems and needs professional help. He might be in jail to get it though.

[Bogie Shooter]

Lots of speculation in this case is not useful to anyone. Let it lay until more FACTUAL info is available.

This will never happen on TOTV.................there is always another way to state the obvious.

[kittygilchrist]

I started out saying innocent until proven guilty. IMO this trial without evidence is a mockery of anything close to justice. Nobody needs to side anywhere. We know nothing of the facts.
Kitty
ps child protection investigator, 8 years, expert witness.

[CFrance]

Agree!!!!!! Only the family knows the true story.

And posting hearsay from a neighbor doesn't cut it...why cant the neighbor post their observations themselves?

Maybe the neighbor doesn't want to jeopardize his/her job.

[tucson]

The chief knocks his son off a bar stool, beats him while he is on the ground, drags him outside hitting his head again and posters say our prayers are with the chief. When people who worked withg him claim he was a bully, I tend to think he has anger management problems and needs professional help. He might be in jail to get it though.

You are absolutely correct!! The description of the beating came from Tucker's OWN mouth, NOT from assumptions....what we know is what we're reading from the investigators report....

[Barefoot]

You are absolutely correct!! The description of the beating came from Tucker's OWN mouth, NOT from assumptions....what we know is what we're reading from the investigators report....

I think a lot of us would like to read the investigator's report. Tucson, could you please provide a link to the actual report ( not the media ”summary").

[Warren Kiefer]

i started out saying innocent until proven guilty. Imo this trial without evidence is a mockery of anything close to justice. Nobody needs to side anywhere. We know nothing of the facts.
Kitty
ps child protection investigator, 8 years, expert witness.

did you not read the newspapers where tucker admitted to having a altercation with the boy. I would say those were pretty good facts for a start.

[kittygilchrist]

nothing I read in the papers convinces me. It isn't evidence in a court of law, nobody is under oath, the whole story isn't available...what else happened..? We don't know anything yet.

[Barefoot]

did you not read the newspapers where tucker admitted to having a altercation with the boy. I would say those were pretty good facts for a start.

I'm not condoning child abuse, who would? But in this case, I haven't seen any actual newspaper interviews with Tucker. And I haven't seen any facts, just second-hand information. Tucker has pleaded not guilty to the charge, so obviously there is a back story to the altercation.

I'm hoping that Tucson will provide a link to the actual Investigator's Report. I think that will give us facts to discuss. Really, unless we have actual facts, all is pure speculation.

[zcaveman]

I never read son anywhere in the Daily Sun. Where did that come from? It was always boy and he ran him out of the house so I assume he sent him home.

Z

[Shirleevee]

This statement has me worried!

[LndLocked]

At this point their is only 2 groups that have (or should have) access to any "Investigator's Report" That would be: SCSO / SC Prosecutor's Office and the accursed's lawyer

[DINTY]

It isn't evidence in a court of law, nobody is under oath, the whole story isn't available...what else happened..? We don't know anything yet.

And most likely there will be no 'evidence in a court of law.' As past history suggests, the family 'will not' press charges. Whether the family spoke with the investigators or not, if they do not press charges the Chief will probably have his lawyer request to have any statement he made quashed and then it's case closed ...... and the whole family resumes their "normal family activities."

[Barefoot]

At this point their is only 2 groups that have (or should have) access to any "Investigator's Report" That would be: SCSO / SC Prosecutor's Office and the accursed's lawyer

The description of the beating came from Tucker's OWN mouth, NOT from assumptions....what we know is what we're reading from the investigators report....

I think Tucson has read the Investigators Report, perhaps I misunderstood. :confused:

[rubicon]

Once again before anyone can make specific comments concerning this case they need to have all the evidence and facts presented to them. Secondly they may want to know what the chief was actually charged with. Was it assault and battery or child abuse. big difference here.

One poster continues to defame this chief managerial abilities. For instance he says the fire chief won't do any work like fighting a fire or driving a truck
Perhaps this poster is correct but I would like to see the fire chief's job description to see exactly what his duties and responsibilities are. And when it comes to additional hires it is more than a fire chief that has input there

Some people need to re-think their positions here like maybe not prejudging

[CFrance]

Both the television news and several newspapers reported he was charged with child abuse.

[tucson]

Once again before anyone can make specific comments concerning this case they need to have all the evidence and facts presented to them. Secondly they may want to know what the chief was actually charged with. Was it assault and battery or child abuse. big difference here.

One poster continues to defame this chief managerial abilities. For instance he says the fire chief won't do any work like fighting a fire or driving a truck
Perhaps this poster is correct but I would like to see the fire chief's job description to see exactly what his duties and responsibilities are. And when it comes to additional hires it is more than a fire chief that has input there

Some people need to re-think their positions here like maybe not prejudging

**************.com 1/17/14 Tucker is accused of violating Florida Statute 827.03(3)(c) You can read it online.

[CFrance]

What was reported in the Villages News was according to the arrest affidavit:

According to the arrest affidavit, a verbal argument escalated into a physical confrontation between Tucker and the victim, under the age of 18.
Tucker’s wife was present, but left the room when the argument broke out.
The victim was slapped by Tucker on the side of the head and knocked off a stool, falling to the floor, according to the arrest affidavit.
Tucker then jumped on top of the victim and began beating the victim with his fist.
Ultimately, the chief dragged the victim out to the front yard and hit the victim’s head against the front entry gate, according to the arrest affidavit.

[rayschic]

**************.com 1/17/14 Tucker is accused of violating Florida Statute 827.03(3)(c) You can read it online.

Here's a link to the statute. He is accused of (3)(c)

Statutes & Constitution :View Statutes : Online Sunshine (http://www.leg.state.fl.us/STATUTES/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0800-0899/0827/Sections/0827.03.html)

The following is copied from the statute.

(c) “Maliciously” means wrongfully, intentionally, and without legal justification or excuse. Maliciousness may be established by circumstances from which one could conclude that a reasonable parent would not have engaged in the damaging acts toward the child for any valid reason and that the primary purpose of the acts was to cause the victim unjustifiable pain or injury

[janmcn]

At the very least, Chief Tucker needs to be put on suspension while this investigation is conducted. This arrest has to be a distraction to those who work for him. We'll see what kind of follow-up statement Janet Tutt makes tomorrow regarding this matter.

[BS Beef]

What was reported in the Villages News was according to the arrest affidavit:

According to the arrest affidavit, a verbal argument escalated into a physical confrontation between Tucker and the victim, under the age of 18.
Tucker’s wife was present, but left the room when the argument broke out.
The victim was slapped by Tucker on the side of the head and knocked off a stool, falling to the floor, according to the arrest affidavit.
Tucker then jumped on top of the victim and began beating the victim with his fist.
Ultimately, the chief dragged the victim out to the front yard and hit the victim’s head against the front entry gate, according to the arrest affidavit.

Wow….that's quite damning. Thanks for posting that section of the affidavit.

[rayschic]

Wow….that's quite damning. Thanks for posting that section of the affidavit.

Here's a 2 minute video posted on WFTV.

Villages fire chief bonds out of jail following arrest on... | www.wftv.com (http://www.wftv.com/videos/news/villages-fire-chief-bonds-out-of-jail-following/vCNm7p/)

[Parker]

Well wow, fedUP, i can appreciate your defense of a friend, but am stunned by the hostile tone I detect. Did you not notice how many posters here have been urging patience until the facts are out? You are not the only one seeking fairness here.

[dillywho]

I agree with Parker. You seem to be a little too defensive and are accusing everyone on here exactly the same as you say they are toward the officially accused, Chief Tucker. Nothing is ever totally black and white, so wait and see.

As my dad always said and I firmly believe it, "I never did see a board that didn't have two sides."

[BS Beef]

I'm going to agree with Parker as well. FedUp you'd have us believe you're the authority on every single detail of the events here. You claim to be from out of state so I can only assume you weren't there. This whole affair is terribly sad for all parties involved. I would encourage you to take the same advise you're encouraging others here to take, a wait and see approach as to how this plays out.

[CFrance]

Off topic: I had to copy and paste your post into a word document and divide it into paragraphs so I could keep my place. It was very difficult to read, and I was tempted to skip it. Paragraphs would make it easier to read.

It would be nice to give some background on your first post. Starting out with the statement "Allow me to not introduce myself" sounds sarcastic and suspicious. Do you vacation here? Do you have any connection to TV other than knowing the fire chief? How do you know about TOTV? I'm sorry, but it makes one suspicious of your comments, almost as if you were asked to post by someone, to come on with such an in-your-face first post. How do we substantiate the credibility of it?

[jhrc4]

You obviously are a friend of this man , very long actually too long. The basis of any friendship is truth and understanding. I don't really know if you really understand that.
This individual beat his get this 12 year old son knocked him off a chair and proceed to carry on beating him.
Why anyone who wants to defends someone like this is mind boggling, sure he is your friend but would you like similar circumstances happen to you or your close relatives.
The guy is a closet abuser and got found out, I hope this goes to trial and if given the opportunity he the accuser will be offered to take the stand in his own defense.
My prediction he will hide his Lawyer and not take the stand. So much for for "hero" Chief Tucker. Hey he beat up his 12 year old son what a man to be proud of to know and admire.

[LndLocked]

I did not make it past #2

I am done with this thread and promise not to view it again

[redwitch]

Um, where did we get this was a 12 YO? I could find nothing about the age of the child other than under 18.

We really don't know enough to say anything one way or another. What we do know is that he lost control in disciplining his son. We don't know if it has happened before. We do know that he has been arrested and charged with child abuse. Whether we ever find out anything more is doubtful since this will probably go to family court, not criminal.

We have one poster saying that Tucker is basically a bad guy; another saying he is a great guy. Most of us have no clue what he is other than our fire chief -- good, bad or indifferent. (BTW -- I don't want my fire chief cleaning fire trucks or rolling hoses -- I can't imagine that is in his job description.) As to being fired, that would be up to Sumter County, not Janet Tutt or The Villages -- he is an employee of the County. His office just happens to be in our community.

[rayschic]

Um, where did we get this was a 12 YO? I could find nothing about the age of the child other than under 18.

We really don't know enough to say anything one way or another. What we do know is that he lost control in disciplining his son. We don't know if it has happened before. We do know that he has been arrested and charged with child abuse. Whether we ever find out anything more is doubtful since this will probably go to family court, not criminal.

We have one poster saying that Tucker is basically a bad guy; another saying he is a great guy. Most of us have no clue what he is other than our fire chief -- good, bad or indifferent. (BTW -- I don't want my fire chief cleaning fire trucks or rolling hoses -- I can't imagine that is in his job description.) As to being fired, that would be up to Sumter County, not Janet Tutt or The Villages -- he is an employee of the County. His office just happens to be in our community.

The report on WFTV said that his son attended The Villages High School so I think the son would have to be older than 12.