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Retired Commander Fired After Safety Whistleblowing: Resignations Follow

2/1/2026

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Summary

Story summary

James Ethridge, a retired Navy commander, was fired from the Florida State Guard after raising safety concerns about the Aviation Response Squadron.
He reported severe safety violations and recommended grounding all flights.
The Florida Commission on Human Relations denied him protections for whistleblowing.
Ethridge's attorney argues the firing was retaliation for his safety complaints.
Following the dismissal, Chief Pilot Matt Sweet and other officials resigned amid mismanagement cited by executive director Mark Thieme.

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Story summary

James Ethridge, a retired Navy commander, was fired from the Florida State Guard after raising safety concerns about the Aviation Response Squadron.
He reported severe safety violations and recommended grounding all flights.
The Florida Commission on Human Relations denied him protections for whistleblowing.
Ethridge's attorney argues the firing was retaliation for his safety complaints.
Following the dismissal, Chief Pilot Matt Sweet and other officials resigned amid mismanagement cited by executive director Mark Thieme.